Centrally located in the heart of San Diego is Mission Trails Regional Park—a quick, convenient escape into nature. The 7,220-acre park is every hiker’s dream—an abundance of hiking trails to some of the best viewpoints in all of San Diego. Yet, there are many different trails to choose from. Whether you’re a first time visitor or come to the park frequently, it is helpful to know which trails are worth spending your time exploring. Having hiked in Mission Trails over a dozen times, I’ve become well acquainted with most of the trails in the park. From my personal experience, I’d recommend the following five hiking trails.
Cowles Mountain
Elevation Gain: 1,200 Feet
Distance: 3 miles
Cowles Mountain is undoubtedly the most popular peak in San Diego County and at Mission Trails Regional Park for good reason. Not only does it provide a bit of a challenge for even the most seasoned hiker, it is also easy enough for other hikers to tackle with its steady stream of switchbacks up the mountain. At its peak it offers some of the best views of San Diego county. Because of its wild popularity, you can expect Cowles Mountain to be packed during all hours of the day, every day of the week. But when you get to the top, even with the crowds, it makes the hike entirely worth it.
Kwaay Paay
Elevation Gain: 800 Feet
Distance: 2.3 miles
Kwaay Paay Peak is lesser known than the aforementioned Cowles Mountain, yet it is an equally enjoyable hike with stunning vistas at the top. Though only a little more than 2 miles in length, Kwaay Paay is a challenging hike due to the steep, uphill climb to the top. Many prefer this hike over Cowles due to its greater intensity and less foot traffic. This cardio kicker will get your blood pumping and surely leave you feeling breathless. Once you get to to the peak, you’ll be rewarded for all your hard effort.
Climber’s Loop
Elevation Gain: 407 Feet
Distance: 1.2 miles
The Climber’s Loop Trail attracts hikers and mountain climbers from all across San Diego. Rock climbers are given the opportunity to climb Kwaay Paay (although this trail does not connect with the Kwaay Paay summit trail), and hikers get to take in views of Mission Trails Regional Park below. Climber’s Loop is one of the shorter trails at Mission Trails Regional Park yet is is challenging. Following 17 switchbacks will bring you to the base of granite columns where beginner to novice rock climbers are testing their skills. Because of its relative shortness in length, the Climber’s Loop Trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore other hiking trails in the park on the same day without feeling too worn out.
Oak Canyon Trail
Elevation Gain: 240 Feet
Distance: 3 miles
The Oak Canyon Trail gives you a glimpse at the Old Mission Dam and after rainfall, you may even see the seasonal waterfall under the 52 freeway. The Old Mission Dam is a historical landmark, and when it was built in the early 1800s, it was considered to be a major engineering accomplishment. The Oak Canyon trail takes you past interesting rock formations, across an iron footbridge, and then through, you guessed it, an oak-lined canyon. For those that are like me, directionally challenged, pay close attention to the signage to ensure you don’t get lost. There are a number of other trails that also begin at the Old Mission Dam and it is somewhat easy to get turned around.
South Fortuna
Elevation Gain: 1151 Feet
Distance: 6 miles
The South Fortuna Trail is one of the more difficult trails in Mission Trails Regional Park, with over a thousand feet of elevation gained in the first three miles of the hike. This challenging trail presents a prime opportunity for seasoned hikers looking to get a good workout in on a longer trail. To access this trail, park in the over-flow parking lot off of Jackson Drive. A series of lefts at the forks will take you up the Stairway to Heaven, a wooden staircase that leads up the side of South Fortuna, to the peak. Tack on an extra mile and checkout the nearby North Fortuna peak to complete a 7-mile loop.
To check out other trails available, take a peek at the Mission Trails Regional Park Trail Map .
Photo Credit: Bill Rand
