Monument Peak Summit Out and Back

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This hike is a great mixture of steep singletrack and relaxing doubletrack. With the steep sections, you are able to leave the crowds behind you and enjoy the peaceful beauty of rolling grassy hills with cows, birds, and maybe even some coyotes.

Recent rainfall will make parts of the trail muddy and slippery. Use the Peak Trail instead of the Peak Meadow Trail if it's rained within the last few days.

Start at the Stanford Avenue Staging Area and follow the crowds for about 1000 ft on the Hidden Valley Trail. This one is popular, but you'll soon branch off onto the Peak Meadow Trail. Stay right at the next junction to follow the Horse Haven Trail, which will lead through a short section downhill through a stand of eucalyptus trees. Follow the well marked Horse Haven Trail all the way up to its junction with the Bay Area Ridge Trail, which will again lead to the right instead of heading up Mission Peak on your left. This is the hardest part of the hike—from here, it's an easy trail with little ups and downs. At the top of this exposed and sunny trail, make a sharp right turn onto the Monument Peak Summit Trail, which quickly leads to the summit.

Once you've enjoyed the views, simply retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.