Near Horse Haven Trail
Sunset behind San Francisco as seen from Mission Peak in mid-August.
Near Horse Haven Trail
Hiking the ridgeline with big sky views.
Near Horse Haven Trail
This is the ongoing view from the trail looking over the South Bay.
Near Horse Haven Trail
Mission Peak via Horse Haven... almost there
Near Horse Haven Trail
The dry side of Mission Peak, as seen from the Horse Haven Trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Horse Haven Trail

3.9 (7 Ratings)
The extra steep way to climb up to Mission Peak.
1.2
mi
Distance
991
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Less CrowdedViewsWildlife
Access Issues
Park hours are strictly enforced. Visitors found inside the park, entrance area, and parking lot after posted hours will be subject to citation and or arrest. Citations cost a minimum of $300. Parking at Ohlone College: -- Daily, year round from 6am - 10pm Parking at Stanford Ave: -- Dec 23 - Mar 31 from 6:30am - 8pm -- Apr 1 - Dec 22 from 6:30am - 9pm

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.19mi
Distance
991ft
Elevation Gain
68ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
2,319ft
High Point
1,396ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trail branches off of the Peak Meadow Trail half way up the mountain, and climbs up one of the steepest sections on the way to the summit of Mission Peak. It will test you, and is far less traveled, so there are rewards for taking on the steepness. Enjoy taking in the view while catching your breath and leaving the (sometimes) crowds to the easier Hidden Valley section. After the initial steep pitch, the trail does level off some and becomes navigable again up to the next intersection.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Chris Tallman