Duyhien Nguyen and Nan Hong, of Foster City, pose for a photo with the summit post on the peak at Mission Peak Regional Preserve in Fremont, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014.

FREMONT, Calif. - An iconic pole that stood at the summit of Mission Peak in Fremont was cut down by vandals over the weekend, shocking hikers and angering park visitors.

The pole at the top of Mission Peak, first installed in 1990, has been decapitated in what hikers are saying is a premeditated act of vandalism. But the top half has been found by park staff.

Fremont Peak State Park, which was established with 188 acres in 1936, has camping and picnic facilities, and is favored by astronomers for its clear views unsullied by artificial light.