Milpitas
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Description: Monument Peak is one of three peaks on a single ridge east of Milpitas and Fremont. All the peaks are within the Mission Peak East Bay Regional Park, but Monument Peak is most easily assessable from Ed Levin County Park in Milpitas, which is adjacent to Mission Peak Regional Park. The ride is an almost continuous climb along the Bay Area Ridge Trail and extremely difficult because of steepness, with many sections over 20% trail grade and some sections over 25%. We start at the Milpitas Community Center, which means the first 2.5 miles is on pavement, but adds some length and 600 feet of climb to the ride. Although not long at 14 miles total, after 3100 feet of climb in just seven miles, this one is tough for most riders. The reward is outstanding unobstructed views from nearly every inch of the way up the trail, since there are almost no trees. In fact, at six miles there is a single tree just before a particularly steep section that is a landmark where some riders turn back. Once at the top, it is a short 2 mile ride to Mission, skirting radio tower laden Mt. Alison along the way. But if you choose to ride down off Mission Peak, be prepared to ride 7 miles of busy streets to return to the Milpitas Community Center. Restrooms are located in Ed Levin Park.
In the Wet Season: Trails are closed and become sticky soup after a rain.
Directions: Start at Cardoza Park on Kennedy Rd in Milpitas, just east of I-680. A link the parking location in Google Maps is here.
