Three miles up, three miles down. Nearly 2,000 feet of elevation. That’s the the Hidden Valley Trail at the Mission Peak Regional Reserve. A friend and I hiked that yesterday in all its steeply elevated glory. It took about three and half hours in total, though I reckon at my own pace I could do the thing in less than three. Obviously I am feeling the soreness this morning, mostly at the knee joints. On the way down is really when the joints take a tremendous pounding.
Mission Peak is reputed to be one of the gnarliest hikes in the Bay Area, and now that I’ve done it, I have to agree. The constant incline utterly grinds on you, and the last bit up to the summit is the most torturous and difficult. Some folks actually run up and down that trail! That’s far too hardcore for me. If you’re just starting out on your hiking adventures, I definitely would not recommend coming anywhere near Mission Peak.
Pro tip: there aren’t any water stations once you leave the base. Do consider fully the recommendation to take at least two liters of water with you. On hot weather days - like the one we had yesterday - I definitely needed every drop of my two liters. What would be even better is have some Gatorade (or your favorite electrolyte water) ready in the car when you return. And a change of clothing because the one you hiked on will be appropriately dirty and sweated through.
And obviously: go at your own pace. There’s plenty of opportunities to stop and rest along the way. A few benches and tree covers here and there. The view out towards Fremont and the Bay Area is beautiful no matter what elevation you are at. There’s absolutely no shame in taking it slow. Or turning back midway; we certainly passed some people who did not make it to the top. And that’s okay. Three miles up with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation is really tough indeed.
King of the world!