Big Rock Trailhead — Attraction in Santee

Nice trail. I have been hiking it from Mesa road (to Mesa trail, to Big Rock Trail, to Cowles Mtn service road) since the 90’s when hardly a soul did that route, now it is pretty busy, but not as much as the main route starting from Golfcrest drive. I recommend for a nice lung workout. I recommended bagging the summit, then off to the side is an out and back trail to Pyles Peak. This extends the hike nicely, giving you more mileage, and more calories burned. On the way back down, take the service road to Big Rock Trail, but this time, do not turn right back onto Mesa Trail. Continue straight on Big Rock Trail for a some different scenery, and the trail will take you right to your car on Mesa Road. Never a bad hike, I always enjoy doing it, even if I have easily hiked it...

So, funny story . . . Visiting from Phoenix and had looked up the temp in San Diego, said 78 degrees, cool, gonna try the longest trail up to the summit and then to the other . . . My buddy laughed at me afterwards, because it was 91 degrees in Santee!

So, I did make it to Cowles, stopping every 20 feet, bending over and resting, repeat and rinse! Fortunately I had 3 liters of water, and I was motivated. This was my one shot on this trip.

Take lots of water!!! Take you time if it is hot and you are not in tip top shape (I am about 30lbs overweight at this writing). Know your limitations, and be smart.

If your in shape, then this should be a fun moderate hike for you, as it would of been for...

We started from children's park where we parked our car. It's about a 5 minute walk from there. This hike has a climb with switchbacks similar to The Cowles Mountain with a greener nature and better view in my opinion. It even has a small water stream with a tiny bridge. As you approach the peak it splits where you can take an easier path back...