Mission Peak Regional Preserve — Attraction in Milpitas

A tough but very rewarding hike. The hike is 2.8 miles from the parking lot to the peak (5.9 miles total round trip, in case you feel lazy and don't want to do the math). The difficulty comes with the fact that those first 2.8 miles are entirely uphill. At first, I didn't quite understand how tough this would be, but after we finished the hike and looked back up to how high up we had climbed, we were pretty darn impressed with ourselves. I believe it is over 2,000 feet of elevation, so that was an accomplishment in its own.

The hike gets hot - it is mostly uncovered with only a few trees along the way to take a break at. Make sure you wear sun screen and bring lots of water. The uphill portions of the hike were pretty manageable, but at the end it gets very steep. Nothing that requires climbing, but it is noticeably more difficult than the rest of the hike. The good news, is that once it gets super tough, you really are almost there.

The peak has an absolutely stunning view of the bay. I loved the peak marker (that I obviously took a picture with), but the cooler part that I didn't realize is that you can look through each of the tubes to see a different part of the bay area since they are directionally pointed to show you a different landscape. Very neat.

I highly recommend going on this hike, but be patient - the stunning part comes mostly when you are up at the top. There are some great spots to eat snacks up at the top, so I recommend packing something to munch on up there. It is also SUPER windy at the peak (not so much throughout the rest of the hike), so stashing a wind breaker would be...

For Mission Peak FIRST TIMERS: The earlier the better. Itll get hot around 9-10.. PARKING is a super hard to find(even by 8-9am). So I'd advise for you to be there early! Don't park where you aren't suppose to park! You will be Cited! $300 and possible arrest. I read the regulation. So just Google it. Alot of ppl did get ticketed when we were leaving. Unless u have that $300 or more then pay attention to the signs. There's alot of ppl so don't be surprise. Also, bring a Hiking Stick or Cane.itll really help, I'm a bit big and out of shape, but even the skinny ones and those that seem fit had a tough time as well. So no judgements there. Sizes doesn't matter. If you're fit then you'll be fine. Pace yourself. Rest. Don't carry a big backpack! I made that mistake and I was dying! My camo-pack was est.10-15lbs.so yea. There's porta potty at the beginning, water fountains, and water to fill your bottles. NO Portapotty going up so use the rest room. No shade on the trail.unless u walk to the side when you're going up. There's a warning sign at the beginning as well, of Moutain Lion, and to stay off the grass because there's alot of Ticks, etc. There are rest spots as you go up. The view is beautiful. Amazing. Of course going down is easier but still steep. I find it easier for me if I jog a little as I'm going back down rather than going slow. Take your time, you'll get there. Sucks to have to go back down if u need to use the restroom, that happened to us. Missing one star is that reason! Itd be great if they do put some portapotty up there. There are garbage and recycling bins....

This is not an easy hike be warned! The first half a mile to 3/4s of a mile is one of the toughest and most strenuous parts of a hike I have ever experienced, as it is constant elevation gain. Going to the peak is about 95% uphill and 5% flat or straighter areas, so bring lots of water and be prepared to take a lot of breaks in between the hike. There is a constant breeze that you feel throughout the hike and especially on a warmer day it makes the hikes bearable. There is not much to see at first but as the trail opens up and gets wider, you will begin to see a lot more of the nice scenery. The final stretch of the hike features a rocky climb to the top so make sure you have sturdier shoes for the end to be able to get to the top. The peak is awesome because it really does feel as if you're on top of the world and looking down at everything. In addition, going back down is extremely satisfying because all the hard work of you getting to the top will have final paid off. Overall, this is a very good hike for those who have the experience or want the challenge but may not be suitable for...