Start out from the Stanford Avenue parking lot and take the first right turn, less than a quarter mile up the trail. This route passes through a gate; you'll see a corral over to the right; don't go that way. Bear left and head up the hill on the wide trail. Climb for about another mile till you hit a trail junction with a post marked "Horse Heaven... More Trail." Turn right here and head uphill (it's all uphill from here).Less

Keep climbing and following the Horse Heaven Trail posts. About two miles into your hike you may see three holes carved in the rock: these are mortars created by the Ohlone People to crush acorns, a staple of their diet. (It's possible to miss the mortars if you get off on a spur path).

Keep climbing -- the summit will be at your left... More the whole way. At about 2.3 miles in you'll reach a fence and a gate at the top of a ridge. Pass through it and head downhill for less than a hundred yards.

You'll reach a bog and need to rock-hop across it. Once you're on the other side, you're on the final ascent to the summit. Pass through the gate and follow more sign posts.

Eventually you'll reach a saddle with the summit at your left. The rest is obvious. Just watch out for mountain bikers on their way down as you head to the top, about a quarter-mile away. Vistas from the Mission Peak summit are simply awesome. Take a picture of the Summit Post to prove you were up there, rest up and rehydrate and prepare for the trip back down.Less

The return trip is straightforward with a few options (typically you can just follow the crowds): Once you pick your way down the rocky summit approach you'll see a hitching post over at the right and a wide descending trail. This way offers a much more gradual descent with easier footing, but if you're in a hurry you can follow the use trails alo... Moreng the fence row.

Both paths end up at a break in the fence -- pass through it and turn left at the first trail junction. From there it's simply a matter of following the wide road back to the Stanford Avenue gate.Less