There are some hikes in San Diego worth hiking multiple times. I’ve hiked Cowles Mountain at least a dozen times now and this hike still never gets old. In fact, anytime someone visits San Diego and asks, “Where should I go hiking?”, Cowles Mountain is usually my first suggestion.
This adrenaline-filled 3 mile-roundtrip vertical climb follows a series of switchbacks to reach the highest point within the city of San Diego. At 1,592 feet, staring at a panoramic view of the city of San Diego makes the short 1.5-mile trek to the top worthwhile. Cowles Mountain, although steep, is moderate hike with a few very steep inclines. Many people flock to this hike for its relative easiness and to take in the sweeping views of San Diego below.
View from the summit
The trailhead begins at the end of a small parking lot, which often fills up quickly. I’d recommend parking along the street, as the parking lot is usually full. When I hiked here last, it was 10am on a Friday and cars were already lined up along the street – just to give you an idea of how popular this hike is. There are also restrooms at the base of the hike that are well kept.
The hike begins to the right of the restrooms, where you will follow a clearly marked trail uphill. The trail is easy to follow and eventually will lead into switchbacks as you get closer to the summit. If you ever do find yourself in doubt of which direction to go, follow the throngs of people who will likely be hiking in close proximity of you. Once you reach the summit, take some obligatory photographs and follow the same trail downhill to return to your car.
Switchbacks downhill
Cowles Mountain is not a secret to San Diego residents; in fact many avid hikers hike this trail regularly. There is an easy 2-mile addition that branches off the summit of Cowles Mountain called Pyles Peak – a less visited trail. To get to Pyles Peak, follow the trail past the summit and bear right. Avoid turning left toward the south as this is the wrong trail. Almost immediately you will notice the crowds thin out. You will traverse a broad ridge from Cowles and over toward shorter, but equally mesmerizing Pyles Peak. The trail will drop a few hundred feet from Cowles’ summit before you walk across a small “roller-coaster” ridge.
After a little over a mile, you will reach the summit of Pyles Peak, which offers very similar views over San Diego (excluding Lake Murray ) and has far fewer people than Cowles Mountain. After you’ve taken in all the views Pyles has to offer, simply follow the same route back to Cowles and veer right to turn down the hill to Navajo Road.
Start of Trail
The entire mountain, with well-marked trails, is a protected area within Mission Trails Regional Park. The main trailhead attracts hundred of people daily to a 360-degree panorama of San Diego County. The hike to the top of the mountain is 1.5 miles long and an elevation gain of about 950 feet. Over the past several years the addition of rock steps has been added, a welcome improvement to making this hike even friendlier for all fitness levels.
Staging area sign
An alternate trail up the backside of Cowles Mountain is located near the intersection of Boulder Lake Avenue and Barker Way. This trail meets the main trail near the summit and is also well maintained.
Cowles Mountain Tips
Tip 1: This hike is very dog friendly. There is a water fountain specifically for dogs in the staging area and there are usually plenty of dog bowls filled with water at the summit.
Tip 2: For a longer hike, consider venturing onward to Pyles Peak.
Tip 3: If you are looking for solitude, this is not your hike. Cowles Mountain is very crowded at all times of the day, every day of the week.
Tip 4: Bring plenty of water. There is a warning sign at the beginning of this hike that warns against heat exhaustion.
Tip 5: Wear hiking boots or hiking shoes. The descent downhill is very steep and it is easy to loose your footing if you are wearing tennis shoes.
Tip 6: Hike Cowles Mountain in the early in the morning to beat the crowds. Even if you arrive by 9:30 a.m., many people will already be there.
Tip 7: A water fountain and maintained restrooms are located in the Cowles Mountain staging area.
Main Trailhead: Cowles Mountain from Golfcrest Drive
From Interstate 8 – Take 8 to the College Avenue exit. Proceed north on College Avenue 1.0 miles to Navajo Road. Turn right and proceed on Navajo Road 1.9 miles to Golfcrest Drive. Turn left on Golfcrest Drive to enter parking lot.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Total Distance: 3 miles
Trailhead address : Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road, San Diego, CA 92119
Cowles at sunset
