The regular path to Mission Peak is very crowded. Instead you can take an alternate trail, on the southern side.

While climbing, you get to see nice views of the green slopes, and of the cities at their feet.

Some hawks and vultures keep circling above. The rocks are covered with flaming lichen. You pass by some huge boulders on top of a small summit.

The path continues past the tormented shapes of a few trees, before the last climb to the top of Mission Peak.

(Mission Peak, tree, vultures, green slopes, the Bay, boulders, lichen, houses)