Mission Peak Midnight Adventure: Winter Solstice 2004
The Winter Solstice of 2004 turned out to be the perfect night for an impromptu midnight hike up Mission Peak in Fremont, California. Something about the longest night of the year seemed to call for an adventure, and I couldn’t resist. So, just before midnight, I grabbed my pack, loaded it with about 35 pounds of iron weights (because why not make it a proper workout?), and set off under the glow of a brilliant three-quarter moon.
Mission Peak, known for its steep trails and breathtaking views, was eerily quiet as I started the ascent. I’ll admit, I “conveniently forgot” that the park technically closes at 10:00 p.m., but the allure of a moonlit hike outweighed any concerns. The moonlight was bright enough that my trusty headlamp stayed in my pack most of the time. I only flicked it on for a few minutes when the trail became particularly rough, but otherwise, the moonlight illuminated the path well.
The hike up took about an hour and ten minutes—one steady, determined step after another, with the added challenge of the weights in my pack. As I approached the summit just past midnight, the wind greeted me with a force that could rival any “real mountain” experience. Gusts of up to 50 mph roared across the peak, making me feel like I had stumbled into a small alpine adventure rather than a Bay Area hike.
Despite the wind’s ferocity, I managed to hunker down for almost 30 minutes to soak in the incredible view. The city lights of Fremont and the surrounding areas twinkled below, stretching out endlessly into the night. It was a mesmerizing sight, a perfect reward for the climb. To top it off, I had some delicious muffins that my friend Sharon had kindly brought me the day before. Munching on those while sitting on a windy peak lit by the moon felt like an odd but satisfying mix of serenity and triumph.
The descent was even more enjoyable than the climb. The twinkling city lights provided a stunning backdrop, and the trail felt almost magical in the moonlight. Without the exertion of the climb, I could relax a bit more and take in the crisp night air. By the time I reached the bottom at 1:30 a.m., I was exhilarated but ready to call it a night.
The adventure wasn’t quite over, though. The ride home in my Foglio Green Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce felt like the cherry on top of an already amazing night. With the top down and the cool night breeze streaming in, I cruised through the quiet streets, still buzzing from the adventure.
Hiking Mission Peak at midnight for the Winter Solstice turned out to be one of those experiences that stays with you—a perfect combination of challenge, beauty, and a touch of rebellion (thanks to the park’s curfew). It was a reminder of the simple joys of adventure, the rewards of effort, and the magic of a moonlit night.
Hike Data
Total distance: ~6 miles
Time to reach the top: 1:10
Time spent at the top: ~0:30
Time to descend: ~0:45
Total time: ~2:25
