Cowles Mountain — Attraction in San Diego

Love my Cowles - when it's not that busy!

This is a 1,594 feet mountain located in the San Carlos neighborhood in San Diego. You'll be hiking for about 2.9 miles. Be prepared for the crowds, unless you're hiking early in the morning or in the sunset (although some, very few though, hike it at night.) Cowles it's a pleasant, family and dog friendly moderate hike with no shade but pleasant views. You'll enjoy a quick ascend in the first ten minutes of your hike, putting you up at a birds eye level to take a picture of Lake Murray. The hike is typically pretty busy on the weekends. Once you reach the Summit, enjoy great views of San Diego. If the weather is clear, you can see the Coronado bridge and Mexico.

If you want more of a work out, continue further west towards Pyles peak - moisture gets trapped between the two peaks, so you'll see more green vegetation and will very likely be the only person on the trail! For those who want to work their glutes and quads, I'd recommend the back road (fire road.) Definitely avoid hiking between 11 and 2 PM in the hot season, especially if you have a dog or..a baby! Over the years, I've run into many friends and familiar faces on the trail, I've seen rattle snakes, groups of teens, athletes, toddlers and people needing to get in shape. I've seen monks in their orange garb, rambo-like runners, a 75-year-old local guy training for Mt.Whitney and barefoot people carrying large rocks -- the diversity in the trail is...

I have an affinity and love for Mission Trails. The trails are well cared for, and you couldn't ask for a more accessible location. It's impressive how this natural park can be situated smack in a central location to just about anywhere in San Diego, yet maintain its natural beauty and feeling of isolation. Cowle's mountain is on the southeast side of the park, and can be navigated to from about three or four different trail heads. The approach can be the common climb from the parking lot that pretty much everyone takes. This is a fairly direct climb with a few switch backs. It's the more direct and short route, which is why most people seem to take it. There are a couple of other approaches that are more from the East. These take a little bit longer and our greater distance. I find them quite enjoyable. Once you reach the peak, consider heading over to Pyle's Mountain. The trail to Pyle's peak heads west off of Cowles Mountain, and travels across the saddle...

Hike to the top and you'll be at the highest spot in the City of San Diego. Parking is difficult on busy days/times but you can park in nearby streets. The trail is well marked and well maintained by city rec staff. Most guests are respectful of others. Don't expect solice as the crowds can overwhelm you. Unfortunately, many younger hikers use speakers to amplify their pop music, detracting from the natural aspect of your outdoor experience. Give this hike a try, but don't hesitate to visit other nearby trails for a more unique experience and more time alone. For timing purposes, a "fit" person on a mission can be up and down in 1 hour. But plan to pace yourself and enjoy the view with up to a 2-hour round trip. Pro Tip: Once at the top, visit a small rocky perch to the west. Or venture West on the trail to Pyles Peak, adding an EXTRA 3.4 miles to...