Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak

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Kwaay Paay Peak is probably the least renowned of the five peaks in Mission Trails Regional Park. At only 2.4 miles roundtrip, it’s a hike that on paper seems rather unremarkable. The experience in person is quite different though, as the 1.2 miles to the peak gains almost 900 feet, and offers amazing views of the nearby South and North Fortuna summits.

Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park


Directions And GPS Tracks:


Key Points:

  • Distance: 2.4
  • Elevation Gain: 867 ft
  • Minimum Elevation: 305 ft
  • Maximum Elevation: 1194 ft
  • Time: 1 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
  • Permit Required: No
  • Parking: Parking lot at trailhead and street parking
  • Season: Year Round
  • Trail Condition: The trail is steep, well maintained, well marked, and easy to follow
  • Cell Phone Reception: Very good

Make sure to hike with the right gear. See my current hiking gear list. 


Hike Map And Elevation Profile:

Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park


Hike Description:

0.0 Miles- Starting on the trailhead leaving from Junipero Serra Trail, walk along the dirt path heading southwest. Just 0.1 miles into the hike, the trail forks, giving hikers two options towards the summit of Kwaay Paay. I suggest keeping right at the junction for a more direct route.

Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
At The Trailhead
Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
Two Options: Keep Right
Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
Heading Up

0.25 Miles- You’ll reach the top of your first climb, and get a taste of the views that await you at the summit of Kwaay Paay. After a very brief downhill reprieve, your climbing will begin again in earnest.

Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
MTRP Views
Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
Steep And Rutted
Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
Summit Comes Into View

0.8 Miles- You reach the steepest part of this hike. There are a few sections that are loose with gravel filled ruts. Make sure to be mindful of your footing here, especially on your way back down.

Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
Up and Up
Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
Almost There
Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
Getting Close

1.2 Miles- Kwaay Paay Peak! Take in the view of Cowles Mountain and Pyles Peak to the southeast, and views of North and South Fortuna to the northwest.

Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
At The Summit
Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
Fortunas
Hiking Kwaay Paay Peak Mission Trail Regional Park
Looking Back
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Hiking Cowles Mountain And Pyles Peak

Hiking South Fortuna and North Fortuna Mountains

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