A point to point hike from Ed Levin to Stanford Ave trailhead, via Monument Peak and Mission Peak. Gorgeous views of green valleys in spring, especially along the section connecting the two peaks.

Location: Mission Peak Regional Preserve

» Official Trail Map: Good quality map showing various trails.

» Official Trail Map: Good map showing various sections. Also see Text portion of the map.

I like this route more than the regular route to Mission Peak from Stanford Ave or Ohlone College trailheads. The section between Mission Peak and Monument Peak feels placid and relaxing, with valley views on both sides of the trail. Great views in spring when hills are lush green.

Trailhead: Start at Sandy Wool Group Area.

To Monument Peak (4.0 miles): Tularcitos Trail (0.3 miles) → Agua Caliente Trail (0.4 + 1.0 miles) → Monument Peak Trail (1.4 + 0.3 + 0.6 miles).

To Mission Peak (2.8 miles): Follow Bay Area Ridge Trail all the way to Mission Peak. Great valley views on both sides of this trail. Not much elevation gain. Gentle and relaxed.

To Stanford Ave (3.1 miles): Follow Peak Trail all the way to the restroom, then Hidden Valley trail to Stanford Ave trailhead.

Notes:

1. Hang gliders may be seen in air during the hike. Locations of hang gliding take off points and landing points are marked in the official trail map for Ed Levin County Park.
2. There is a restroom along Peak Trail in Mission Peak Regional Preserve.
3. It is usually windy at Mission Peak. In April - May, even if it is sunny, it is cool near the top.

Location: along Downing Road, Milpitas, CA 95035 . No street address. Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From CA-237 East, continue onto E Calaveras Blvd. After 1.8 miles, turn left on Downing Road. Continue for 0.8 miles to reach various parking lots in Ed Levin County Park.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: $6 per vehicle (last visited: April 2011)

Capacity: Many cars can be parked inside the park at various parking lots.

Latitude: 37.454693     Longitude: -121.863956

Location: 1880 Stanford Avenue, Fremont, CA . Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From I-880, take Mission Blvd exit towards Sacramento / I-680. After driving two miles along Mission Blvd, turn right onto Stanford Ave. Within 0.8 miles, there is a parking lot for Mission Peak.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: None (last visited: February 2012)

Capacity: About 20 cars may be parked here. Plenty of parking along Stanford Ave and residential complexes nearby. Parking is usually tight due to the popularity of the park.

Latitude: 37.504483     Longitude: -121.908417