Myself and two friends hiked up to Mission Peak yesterday afternoon. I’m in training for a hike up to Cloud’s Rest in Yosemite this summer, and my friend Rachael is hiking to both Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome in early summer.  This was the first time hiking up to Mission Peak for my friend Dali.

The Peak trail is considered a good training hike because the ascent is steep and fast. You start at 500 feet and climb to 2,517ft in just about 3 miles. The route is quite pretty filled with wildlife and great views. Here is some of what I saw yesterday.

I spotted several wildflowers along the trail yesterday; Spring Vetch; California Poppies; and Buttercups, but the flower I liked the best was this Coulter’s Matilija Poppy growing along the road near Ohlone College. I love the big billowy pedals, and wonderful yellow center. It’s a show stopper!

Not too far up the trail I saw this little Chipping Sparrow. I was so surprised he didn’t fly away when I stopped to take his photo.

At the pond where the cows hang out I lose time taking photo after photo.

I saw a Killdeer up here for the first time.

In the woodland a Bitter Cherry (I think) was blooming.

About halfway to the top we come to my favorite view. You have to turn around to see this lovely Red barn nestled in the trees.

Yesterday we spotted a Red Tailed Hawk flying from one side of the trail to the other. He would circle awhile then land on a rock and watch his territory.  I travel light when hiking up here so I didn’t have my longer lens with me, but wished I did.

Looking back – Fremont and the Bay

Only 300 feet from the top now! This part of the trail is brutal. It’s the steepest, and very rocky the higher you get.

Rachael is a great hiker she moves a lot faster than I do. She made it to the top about 20 minutes before me. Dali not far behind Rachael peaked about 10 minutes before me. I knew he wouldn’t have any trouble making it to the top.

Dali

…and here’s me. I made it!

This was the 7th time  I’ve hiked this trail and 4th time peaking.  I have a goal of climbing up here 4 times this year I’m halfway there! I’ll probably have to step it up and come up here more if I hope to make it to Cloud’s Rest this August.

One thing is for sure. The hike up is always beautiful, and I see something different each time I come.

Nikon D300s| Nikkor 18-200mmVR| Handheld and Tripod

All Photos are Copyright © 2011 Deborah M. Zajac.  All Rights Reserved.