For the first few weeks of 2024, I've been going on these Friday morning adventures, and I thought to myself... why don't I try climbing Mission Peak (weather-permitting, of course)?
I honestly haven't done that since my previous relationship, so I don't see why not.
Climbing Mission Peak was rewarding -- but it was also was an invigorating and awe-inspiring experience. For most, people don't climb this trail for two reasons: (1) The trail itself is quite challenging. During the winter season, it gets ten times harder to climb due to the mud excess -- because it's something that happens after it rains. It is definitely something you should watch out for. (2) No water access. The first few times I climbed this, I was like: oh, I'll be fine without water. I soon realized this wasn't the case at all. Matter of fact, it's the complete opposite. You're faced with a constant 20-25% slope grade going up, some as HIGH as 36.2%!
Despite the atrocities this trail brings me everytime, the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the Bay Area made every step worth it. Even though I felt like absolute shit, seeing every benchmark fueled my inspiration to reach to the peak. Every time I climb this legendary peak, I am filled with gratitude that I'm still able to see these views from more than 2,000 feet above sea level.
Here's how one of my recent treks up to the peak went -- get ready for a wild adventure full of Q&As!
Starting from the bottom. (570ft above sea level)
My friends have asked me this before: Austin, what's the best time to climb Mission Peak? Now, having done this in both seasons before, it really depends -- but to climb this, you absolutely cannot do this on three hours of sleep. You need plenty of sleep the night before.
In the summer, I'm usually at the Stanford parking lot of the Mission Peak trail no later than 5:25am. I know, it sounds crazy, and I'm crazy -- but people climb this trail WAY before the sun comes up. I've even heard my own friends say they climb this as early as 4:30am -- in which yeah, I'm DEFINITELY NOT DOING THAT.
Winter is a little different. Usually I'm there no later than 6:45am -- as there's plenty of parking space still. But there's already a bunch of people stretching and getting ready to on that trek.
The initial steps are gentle, allowing you to ease into the climb, but soon enough, the trail starts to reveal its true character. Steep inclines and rocky terrain make it clear that this will not be an easy feat. However, the breathtaking views of rolling hills and vast landscapes motivate you to push forward.
Before I could realize it -- I was at:
Benchmark #2. (1,005 feet above sea level)
Honestly, when I got up that high, climbing up to 1,005 feet was exhausting yet exhilarating at the same time. It showed me something in particular: as I started to ascend higher and higher, the landscape below me started to become even smaller. I felt the air become a little colder and crisper, and the sounds of cow became more prominent at that point.
I felt that with each step, i was accomplishing something -- I was closer to my destination, and I felt really inspired. However, I didn't wanna bask in the glory just yet -- I asked myself the following:
Am I sure that I wanna be arrogant enough to climb this? What is the purpose me climbing this peak?
Sure enough, I was like: "Why not? Let's climb this peak and see it for ourselves one more time -- if I stop to take a rest, it isn't the end of the world." And lo and behold, we went up to:
Benchmark #3. (1,270 feet above sea level)
By Benchmark #3, I was already panting out of exhaustion but there was one thing -- I had just climbed the highest grade of my whole trek thus far. There was another layer of excitement to this already breathtaking height - being halfway there.
Looking ahead, I could see the path still stretching into the distance, and rememebering that with each step forward, there was a building of anticipation, knowing that the peak was not far from where I was. This combination of elevation and being midway creates a unique blend of determination and euphoria that fuels the spirit towards new heights.
Through the trees we go, and through every rock that we encountered, we achieved up to:
Benchmark #3. (1,627 feet above sea level)
This was one of the last benchmarks before the huge trek that took us to the crosstrails of where the Stanford Trail met the Ohlone Trail -- so I tried basking in as much air as I could before it was too late.
As I stood 1,627 feet above sea level, I honestly felt utterly drained -- it was so cold, and honestly every step felt like an insurmountable task as the altitude sapped away my energy. The air was consuming my every physical and social battery -- like honestly, even taking even the simplest tasks feel like herculean feats.
Yet somehow, amidst the weariness, there existed an indescribable sense of accomplishment for having reached such heights despite the overwhelming exhaustion -- that told me, "you're almost there! YOU GOT THIS!"
Thus, I pushed through, and I climbed up to my:
Final benchmark! (2,249 feet above sea level)
Despite stopping for water at 2,249 feet above sea level, I was more determined than ever to finish the hike. The refreshing break had rejuvenated my energy levels and invigorated my spirit. As I resumed my ascent, each step became a testament to my unwavering determination. The rugged terrain and steep inclines seemed challenging, but they were no match for my resolve. With every breath, I could feel a surge of motivation propelling me forward. The thought of reaching the summit filled me with an indescribable sense of accomplishment and fueled my desire to conquer any obstacle in my path. No matter how tired or sore I felt, I pushed through it all because giving up was simply not an option. My unwavering determination would see me through until the very end of this unforgettable journey.
WE MADE IT! The Peak (2,509 feet above sea level)
Standing at the peak of Mission Peak, 2,509 feet above sea level, I was greeted by breathtaking views of the Bay Area that stretched out as far as the eye could see. The city skyline stood tall in the distance, while the shimmering waters of the bay glistened under the warm sunlight. From this vantage point, I felt a sense of awe and appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounded me. As I took in the panoramic vistas, it was as if time stood still, allowing me to truly absorb the splendor of nature's masterpiece.
Overall, this climb to Mission Peak not only challenged my physical endurance but also rewarded me with an unforgettable experience that reminded me of how fortunate I am to be able to witness such stunning sights.
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