Cowles Mt, San Diego CA
• 3-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Medium difficulty | Gain 910 feet
• San Diego, CA | San Diego Region
.
Hikers enjoying the view from the summit.
The highest point in the city of San Diego at 1,593 feet above sea level, Cowles Mountain is a wildly popular destination for hikers, fitness enthusiasts and - it appears - everyone else. Regardless of the time of day that you choose to tackle this peak in the Mission Trails Regional Park you will have plenty of company. Approach this hike with a neighborly attitude and a generous amount of latitude for the bluetooth speaker blaring narcissists, then this trail can be a fun hill-climb challenge.
The trail's surface conditions remain easy throughout and switchbacks reduce the 900 foot climb to a moderate gradient. However this trail is built into the southern-facing flanks of the mountain and offers nothing in the way of shade from the strong California sun. Please plan accordingly and despite the short trail and carry both water and sunscreen with you, at a minimum.
Expand ↓ Map
3★ Cowles Mt Trail
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
Cowles Mountain's summit boasts panoramic vistas throughout the region. On the clearest of days the shimmering Pacific Ocean is visible, silhouetted by the tall buildings of downtown San Diego. To the east the landscape transitions into the rolling hills and rugged peaks of the Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountain ranges.
This hike's popularity means that the trailhead parking lot is permanently full, both with parked cars and traffic looking for spaces. We'd recommend skipping it entirely and instead just utilize roadside spaces along Golfcrest Drive. Please review posted traffic signs to ensure you are parking legally of course.
One of the flatter sections of trail.
Views towards San Diego some ten miles distant.
Looking south towards Lake Murray.
Tangents:
• Official: Mission Trails Regional Park
• Public Map at AllTrails: Cowles Mt Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Potato Chip (4-8 mi) ·
5★ Annie's Canyon (2 mi) ·
4★ Iron Mountain (6-9 mi) ·
Show Map
California Summits
Explore mountain-top hikes around California with Trailspotting.
Explore mountain-top hikes around California with Trailspotting.
LA's Best Trails
Explore the natural side of LA with Trailspotting's Best Trails feature.
Explore the natural side of LA with Trailspotting's Best Trails feature.