Cowles Mountain

"Started at Cowles Staging Area trail head located on Navajo Dr. Trail head has, water, toilets, maps, vending and even a sunscreen station. This trail is always very busy and parking is often an issue, especially on weekends and holidays. This trail is marked as difficult at the trail head, but I would rate as easy. I often see children making the hike to the top. I would warn that this trail can be difficult during the summer months when high temps will cause issues. I took advantage of the cool temps and scattered showers today. Was glad I brought my day pack as having rain gear came in handy. Did not spend much time on the summit, quickly making my way back to the staging area. Total time app. 1:30 with about 850’ elevation gain. Quick easy climb. During summer be sure to bring water and proper sun protection. Also please be kind and take all trash including pet waste off the hill. " — Mtstalker • May 21, 2019

"Get there before the sun comes up if you're a hiker that enjoys peace and quiet. I got here about 6:30 and the nearest parking was a few blocks down..Had my 3 year old daughter with me and I can't count the number of times she almost got ran into by joggers with zero etiquette. Switchbacks all the way up made for an easy climb. So easy in fact we continued onto Pyles peak. " — spr_kween • Sep 1, 2018

"This is a popular San Diego area hike. It didn't help me much that I arrived at about noon on a Sunday. I took my place in the line of hikers that climbed to the summit. After reaching the top I continued on to Peak 1380 and Pyles Peak, where I was able to claim three peaks on a single hike. Hiking totals for all three peaks: 6.5 miles with 1,650 feet of elevation gain." — Peak-Conquistador • Sep 10, 2017

"This is a great hike for beginners. It’s kind of urban, but hey, it’s in San Diego. This route takes an route with less crowds and easier parking. The views are incredible! I have a full trip report and turn by turn directions on my blog here: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/cowles-mountain-hike-san-diego-highest-point/" — HikingGuy • Nov 18, 2015

"We went up. Then down. Missed our trail and went a bit out of our way. Very cloudy and foggy so no good views or photos. But I'll post one anyway - a panorama. And a miracle smiley face on my wife's back :)" — rickbrenner • Oct 12, 2014

"3rd peak of 3-peak traverse Pyles-1380-Cowles; 1 mile ascent w/375' gain, 175' loss from Point 1380. Lots of people at the summit, most popular San Diego peak I've hiked, hundreds hike the Cowles trail daily. Descended on the Cowles Mtn Trail to Golfcrest Drive, 2.6 miles w/1,180' loss from summit back to my car at Mission Gorge. " — BradStemm • Mar 16, 2014

"Started hiking about 10pm. Followed the freeway-wide service road with my brother and my dog. The marine layer shortened most of the views, but we still found lots of spiders! A great way to spend a Friday night." — benjineer • Apr 13, 2013

"The weather cleared and it was a beautiful chilly morning. My daughter was visiting from NY and we decided to hike up. We started at 10am and were back at the car by noon. Lots of people enjoying the trail with us and we were treated to wonderful 360 degree views." — sue.walker.71653 • Dec 27, 2012

"4th Peak of the Day. Also summit it again on the way back from Pyles Peak but did not count it since it was on the same day. Did a 5 peak summit of Mission Trails Regional Park. Long Day but so wonderful! Was a little warm today but completed it. " — PHYFITMIKE • Oct 19, 2012

"Took Big Rock Park trail up, started at 7:45 and it took me until eleven to get up and back down as this was my first hike since I was a kid and I am 252 pounds (down from 310!). It was so amazing to reach the top! Given my physical shape I didn't think I could do it, but now that I have I've got the bug and can't wait to hike more peaks and melt those pounds away!" — wholejenny • Jul 29, 2012

"Beautiful day with the family. 65 degrees, sunny....not too bad for January. We took the NE approach which starts at Big Rock Park and parallels Big Rock Creek for a bit before rising out of the valley to climb a ridge that terminates with a fire road at about 1.4 miles. Take a right to traverse another ridge before ascending a steep grade, 22% in places to reach the summit. Highest point within the city limits. 360 degree views of San Diego County. The north flank has some nice cliffs that you can pirch over for a view from Palomar to Cuyamaca. " — jfennelly • Jan 7, 2012