Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Cowles Mountain, Mission Trails Regional Park Hike

Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park is part of the 5-Peak Challenge and is probably the most popular hike in San Diego. Parking is a pain, with a small lot (drive to 7027 Golfcrest Dr, San Diego, CA 92119) that fills up before 7AM on weekends. The parking lot has restrooms.

The trail is nice and you certainly won't get lost as it is clear where to go (and hundreds of others going the same way). The hike itself feels a bit stressed because of people trail running and trying to pass others, dogs, just generally a lot of people. The views at the top of San Diego are great.

The hike is about 3.1 miles round trip depending on where you park for the main route, it is a serious uphill climb to the top, then down. There is a route up the back that is part of the 5-Peak Challenge, but very few people take this route. Plan on about an hour and forty minutes if you're reasonably fast. You can extend your hike to Pyles peak, which makes the whole thing 8 miles or so.



Views from the top:

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