Barker Way Trailhead in San Diego, United States - reviews,open hours,photo spots, things to do

United States California San DiegoBarker Way Trailhead

Barker Way Trailhead

Barker Way, San Diego, CA 92119

4.7(246)

Open until 12:00 AM

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Info

Outdoor

Adventure

Scenic

Pet friendly

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Phone

(619) 668-3281

Website

mtrp.org

Open hoursSee all hours

WedOpen 24 hoursOpen

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Posts

Jason HackerJason Hacker

One of my favorite training places. 1.4 miles and 880ft of elevation gain. Beautiful view from the top. The parking is usually not to bad( compared to the front side of cowels). It's a fire road, so it's wide. Never really crowded( especially compared to the front side). Now for the bad... no bathrooms( unless you count the single stinky porta potty that's always out toilet paper so if you plan on using it porta potty bring baby wipes) no water top or bottom. extremely miserable when its hot.( zero shade!) So come prepared with water! There is another Trail other than the Fire Road it's a small Trail which is really nice that ties into the front side(.6mile from the top) again that trail not busy at all until it joins the front side trail..

Christina MALINOSKIChristina MALINOSKI

Our group did both the switchback & the main trail! I have not been hiking but walking all summer, paddling boarding & swimming! 😁 I was sucking wind!! Lol Totally doable but I had never done it! Once I allowed myself the time to enjoy it & stop to drink water it was pleasurable! Reaching the top was fantastic!! Heads up a lot of loose gravel/ sand!! If not a hiker ... Maybe bring a walking stick!! Some of the people found it helpful both ways!! Bring water! I always bring a very light athletic hoodie/ jacket! You sweat & it can get cool / plus bugs! IT was a good push & would do it again! Enjoy yourself!

Dan HoweDan Howe

My favorite of all the Cowles Mountain trails because you can make it a quicker trip to the top if you want. Still challenging going up the hill if you try to keep a fast pace, but less time spent plodding your way along like the Big Rock Trail. Also less crowded than the main "front" trail. And watch out for snakes!! Second time I've seen a rattler here... they don't bother you though, just give them some space and they'll be on their way.

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Reviews of Barker Way Trailhead

4.7

(246)

5.0

Forgot how steep the incline was for this hike. Great cardio tho! A lot more foot traffic as well from what I remember lots of friendly people. Easy hike you may want to take small breaks in between. My calves were on fire 🔥. Great views of Lake Murray east county and if it is a clear day I'm sure it gets better. There are other trails there I haven't done but definitely want to hike Pyles peak next time. Becareful where you park, there's a small section directly in front of the trail head that's not painted red and looks like a parking spot. It's not, there's a sign that says no stopping or parking. The sign is about 10-12 feet away from where the red paint actually starts. I did park there thinking I hit the jackpot parking spot. I asked a guy that frequents the trail said he had seen people ticketed frequently. Recommend highly if you want to get out for some cardio or just to get out of the house take...