Cowles Mountain

Mountain peak · San Diego

Cowles Mountain

Mountain peak · San Diego

1

San Diego, CA 92119, USA

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Cowles Mountain by null
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Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
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Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
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Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
Cowles Mountain by null
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Panoramic city views from San Diego's highest peak  

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San Diego, CA 92119, USA Get directions

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Aug 8, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Cowles Mountain

"Cowles Mountain is an easy 3 mile loop hike up one of the highest points in San Diego. Its summit is at 1,592 feet. At the top, the panoramic view allows one to see all the way to Mexico, the ocean, and north east county. It's a great way to experience the outdoors right in the heart of San Diego and is friendly to all fitness levels, even kids. Dogs are allowed too. Make sure to bring water, good hiking boots/shoes, and a camera!" - Caava Design

https://onthegrid.city/san-diego/la-mesa/cowles-mountain
View Postcard for Cowles Mountain

Anita Neff

Google
Great local hike. Weekends are super busy. Early morning is best. Some people don't pick up the dog poop, otherwise we'll maintained

G K

Google
Sunrise this morning. You can see downtown San Diego and Coronado bridge from here. Take your time to walk up if you don’t gets out and do this often. Best time is in early morning and late afternoon to avoid high heat.

Ruta P.

Google
Love Cowles Mountain, hikes here always fun, not too hard to complete. Wasnt too busy (Saturday mid day) and weather was perfect.

Ravi Dhungel

Google
The best place for quick but really good hiking. Moderate to hard - depends on people, I will say a moderate one. It’s always busy hike and easy to park in the road. You will see 360 degrees views all the way up-to north and downtown on west and beautiful hill stations in north and south. Please bring water. Been to this hike more than 20 times but still loving it. Beautiful sunset view in pacific.

Holly Buderus

Google
Quick and convenient hike! I want to say "easy," but that's relative, and judging from the number of helicopter rescues here, clearly it's not easy for everyone! Skip the trail from Golfcrest. Try the one from Barker Way or even the north end of Lake Murray Blvd to avoid the crowds.

Cassandra

Google
Do not go in the middle of the day, by 11 am the trails are packed with people. This is a morning or evening hike. This is not easy. While it is covered in bushes and trees on the way up it still leaves little as far as shade. Bring hats, sunscreen, shade of some sort and tons of water. Go slow if you’re a beginner. If you are taking the service road route make sure you have shoes with good tread…skate shoes will have you sliding off the mountain for sure. And enjoy the view when you get to the top.

beet

Google
Really fun. Great views. Started going more often on my days off because the gyms were closed. Absolutely go early in the morning or at sunset otherwise theres many many people. Lots of crowds none in masks. Hike itself is rough if you rarely hike but many good places to stop and rest. I prefer going at sunset and night hiking. :^) Pre-covid going later there would be space in the parking lot. Potentially that will return in the future. :^)

Danielle Henry

Google
As a Midwesterner who is newly moved here, mountains are a novelty and I love seeing them where I live. After hearing about the 5 Peak Challenge at Mission Trails Regional Park, I knew this was the challenge I needed since races in person are canceled for the time being. The parking lot filled up quickly as noted but I easily parked on the road outside the lot. The path to the summit was busy for 8am, but everyone was moving at a easy pace and enjoying the gorgeous weather. There are parts of the path where you have to climb over rocks but overall it isn’t too bad. For the websites that said this is a great hike for kids, I say, what age, because this was a killer workout for me but to be fair, I come from straight flat land! Beautiful views at the peak. Bring water and a hat, the sun was beating down early in the morning.
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Jeff L.

Yelp
I'm going to update my review since it's been about 12 years. This is my absolute favorite hike in San Diego. It's intense so come early in the morning or later in the evening, unless it's cool out. It's about 30 minutes up and 30 minutes back down if you hike without stopping. About 10 minutes in, the intensity ramps up and then about 15 minutes in is about the most difficult. The last 7-10 minutes is all switchbacks, which are manageable until you get to the final switchback that takes you to the top. That last little bit is intense but you can see the top so it's maybe easier to keep going. The views from the top are amazing. You can see all of San Diego from there. I mean, down town, Point Loma, UTC, east county, even the ocean on a clear day. The way down is obviously much easier. Watch your footing though because it's super easy to turn an ankle on the uneven footing. If you "bound" down then you'll feel it in your knees the next day. Bonus points if you get to see sunrises and sunsets from here because they are amazing!!!
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Luis C.

Yelp
Cowles Mountain has always been one of my favorite hikes in San Diego, beautiful views, a solid workout, and usually a safe, enjoyable trail. However, I'm sharing my recent experience as a warning for others to stay alert, especially around dogs. On July 22, 2025, around 8:AM, I was bitten by a dog while hiking. The incident was completely unprovoked and happened without any warning, the dog lunged and bit me near my left ankle. I've attached a photo to this review showing of what the dog's owner looks like. To make matters worse, the owner gave me a fake name and phone number. It was a painful and upsetting experience, and I want to make others aware that not all dog owners are responsible or honest. Please use caution around dogs on the trail, even in popular spots like Cowles Mountain. Despite this incident, it's still a great place to hike. Just be mindful, stay alert, and hike safely.
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Marcie L.

Yelp
At 1,592 ft, Cowles Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego. There are two main routes to the summit: 1. A paved service road with a steady incline 2. A scenic trail (which adds about a mile) Since I had hiked Cowles many times before, I chose the scenic route. This route always stays very busy since it is rather touristy. It's a 3 mile hike to the Summit and back. The paved road is a 2 mile hike to the summit and back. This is more uphill and less crowded. Be careful because all the loose gravel can make the footing tricky. There were actually firefighters helping someone that had injured themselves when I arrived. At the summit, if you follow the path near the antenna, it will lead you to Pyles Peak--a quieter 1.5+ mile out-and-back hike from Cowles summit. There is a parking lot you can park in or street parking. There's restrooms at the entrance near the scenic side. There is not much shade so be aware of that. This hike is kept very clean. I just find it to be a little more on the boring side. If you do the five peak challenge, I recommend doing this hike last because you'll be exhausted, and there's a lot of people that you can follow or chat with to help with the motivation. It's also less steep too despite it being the highest peak.
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TJ C.

Yelp
Great spot for a fun hike. It is all uphill (except on the way back obviously). It is hard packed dirt, rocks, and boulders. You are in nature. There is a very clear path. But it can be a workout. And the harder (faster) you go the better it is. But you can turn around and go back down whenever you want. Lots of people from different backgrounds enjoy this hike, so be cool and friendly. Some people do bring their dogs on leash. Some kids and older folks do the hike too. Go for a slow walk, a quick hike, or a strong run. Just have good shoes, the right clothes, some water, maybe a snack, and positive vibes. Enjoy!
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Anthony A.

Yelp
Popular 3-mile hike with a steady climb and rewarding 360° views at the top. No shade, so go early and bring water. Quick, scenic, and a solid workout close to the city.
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Josh B.

Yelp
Cowles Mountain offers a startling amount of scenery for something located within a major city. Pro/con of the main trail: you won't ever be the subject of a gruesome "hiker goes missing" saga as it's well-populated. But the non-isolation combined with the zig-zag means you may learn more about your fellow hikers than you might expect. On my recent visit three young gents described their dating conquests, with one in particular noting a successful visit that nonetheless remained within the guidelines of his religion. Another fellow provided an overview of Gaza to a geopolitical novice. I also got in trouble for attempting to talk to a dog. The trail is rated "difficult". It wasn't bad overall except for the few parts where there wasn't really a trail, just rocks. Years ago I made it to the summit. This time I had to settle for a "Rocky ending" where I didn't win but I endured. I got a mile up. In my defense, there was still a chance of rain, plus I was hoping for food, waterfront sunset and then more food. As a consolation prize for not getting to the summit, I briefly checked out the Barker Way trail. This diversion offers excellent mountain views but I didn't go the whole way as I wanted to keep an eye on the ocean. Geography note: you can get here by public transit but it won't be quick. The 115 bus goes a few blocks away.
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Stephanie G.

Yelp
Top notch trail! If you start at the Big Rock park the inclines are killer. A little bit ok scrambling but the trail is very well maintained and very busy. Bring more water than you Think you'll need and wear shoes with good grip and support. There are bathrooms before you start up, in the park, and parking may or may not be limited. The views are to die for but the trail is steep!! Highly recommended !
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Shay M.

Yelp
Still one of my favorite hikes in San Diego. It's a really versatile hike that's done by the young, the aged, the extremely fit, the fit, the getting-fit, pets, and kids. If you're on the fitter side, you might add a weighted pack, or work on your speed. If you're getting fit, it's still doable, just take your time. Plenty of parking. I recommend getting here early, 6am-6:30am, to beat the sun. I recommend at least 16.9 oz. of water, but carrying a 32 oz. thermos with ice cold water would be great. Staying at a steady pace, and not spending time at the summit, you can make it up and down in 75-80 minutes. Wear good shoes, with solid traction, as it can be slippery when coming down. I believe the roundtrip is a little under 3 miles. Most of the people are friendly, and will often exchange pleasantries when passing by. It's one of my favorite things about this mountain. Have fun, get your sweat on, and most importantly, stay safe. If you are bringing a pooch, make sure to bring them some water as well. Stay Hydrated!
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Allison P.

Yelp
A classic trail in San Diego! This is a pretty beginner friendly trail that still leaves you feeling a bit challenged. It's 3 miles (round trip) and typically takes ~2 hours for most. There are quite a few rocks and it is quite the incline going up, but if you just push through, you'll eventually get that hiker's high and it won't be so bad. There are multiple peaks, but I encourage you to brave the trek up to the very top! You'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire city. Super super pretty. A true gem of a hike in the middle of the city. Note: Hiking shoes (or really great running ones) recommended!
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Cameron Z.

Yelp
Tranquil trail at sunset. Easy for new hikers and mostly pleasant during the cool of the day. I do not recommend hiking at night unless you're in a group and have a headlamp. There are rattles on this trail so be aware if you bring a dog. The trail is clean, well kept, and popular amongst San Diegans. I don't hike much and I thought it was easy.
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Tykeshia J.

Yelp
Beautiful day for a quick hike. Busy on the trail but people are usually nice to led you move through. Usually when I'm short on time or need a quick pick me up, this one of the spots I like to go to.
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Amanda J.

Yelp
This is a hard but good hike! It was just under 5 miles and approximately 1,200 elevation gain. We started early on a Saturday morning and it took us about 2.5 hours to finish the hike. This includes the time we spent hanging out at the top of the mountain, enjoying the views and catching our breath. The hike is an out and back. There are a few different trails to get to the top of Cowles Mountain. Shade is limited and the trail was well kept.
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Olivia B.

Yelp
Beautiful trail that's well worth the trip to the top! Luckily when we went it wasn't busy so we were able to easily get parking when we arrived in the afternoon. Definitely bring good footwear and water with you when you go. The 360 view at the top is incredible and you will get an awesome view of the surrounding San Diego area.
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Anthony A.

Yelp
This is a great place to get your cardio up. Being a mountain, everything is up hill. There are no flat paths. I recommend hiking boots, but running shoes works too. You have to keep in mind, the smooth rocks and sand. This makes some areas slippery. Today I saw 3 people fall. All going down hill. The views are breathtaking. This includes the Rattlesnakes. Oh yes, there are rattlesnakes. You can see it in one of my pictures. Now me and my family are just starting our mountain hikes. So we made it only half way up. This mountain is great for novice and experienced hikers. One con, is that some people do not pick up after their dogs. So you got to watch out for poop. Some people also pick up after their dogs, but leave the poop filled bag on the trail. I will put an update, when I make it to the top.
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Kathleen C.

Yelp
Go to spot for that "quick and dirty" hike to get you outside with a good work out when you don't have a lot of time! It's all incline to the top! Depending on the time of day it can be busy where you have to park on the street, and at times in the neighborhood. Some places have loose rocks and all dirt pathway so make sure you have some shoes with grip (although I've seen some people climb with some vans and even flip flops so maybe that's just me and my old ankles). Beautiful views at the top though, with the lake and views of San Diego!
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Brad B.

Yelp
Oh Cowles... you little beast, you. I must say though, I sure do love a Cowles Mountain hike. I've taken the time to hike Cowles a few times, mostly when I have folks visiting that want a fun little San Diego-centric physical activity and it never disappoints. That being said, there are some things you should know. - Hiking in the heat of summer? There is no shade so be prepared with sunscreen or breathable clothes that will protect you from the sun's deathrays. - Bring water! I mean, you'd be surprised how many people forget this. - Research the trails to the top. They are not all created equal and if you make the wrong choice based on your physical abilities, you may be sorry. - Dogs are a thing. Yep, if you bring your dog it's absolutely okay, and while I love pups, I know some people don't so be prepared to encounter some well-behaved-physically-fit-fur-babies. - Be prepared to spend some time at the top. You've done the work to get up there and you're now free to appreciate the reward - views for days of virtually all of SD. - Stop by a local biz after your hike! I mean, have you ever heard of The Trails Eatery? A fantastic Woman-owned business serving up some killer pancakes. There ya go, see you on the trail!
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Jelarzhel A.

Yelp
You can find the hiking video from this youtube channel https://youtube.com/@hikingtrails-4u
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Charlotte C.

Yelp
Nice hike with beautiful views! Friendly people! Centrally located. Heavily populated. A bucket list hike for San Diego.
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M G.

Yelp
We went in November and it was about 68 degrees , perfect weather . I feel this hike was a little more than beginners. I hadn't hiked in a long time and I was sore the next couple of days, but it has great views and a lot of people you will see on the trail, but not too crowded. we went on a Tuesday around 12 o'clock.
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Michelle S.

Yelp
This is no joke! It is posted as moderately difficult but felt more difficult than that. The views are top are worth the effort. Nice wide trail. Gravel can be slippery, watch your step.
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Angela B.

Yelp
I climb the backside service road next to the Barker way trail as there is less foot traffic and is a smoother but steeper route to take. Pay attention to rattlesnakes as I've seen quite a few on my climbs over the years. I love going in the mornings especially when there is fog that you can see over as you are climbing. Great views of east county and lake Murray
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Will. F.

Yelp
Had did a couple of hike and trails before doing this one and Cowles Mountain is bar far the best experience. Definitely worth the hike to the top at least once while in San Diego.
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Venus V.

Yelp
Favorite hike. It's obviously everyone's favorite as well. The reason I choose this place because it's moderate level or higher but it gives a good workout for a short amount of time. I like that I can get this hike done in under 1.5 hours mostly walking alone. Whenever I go with friends it's normally a 2 hour hike round trip because we are talking and taking breaks. Highly recommend!
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Jonathan L.

Yelp
Solid hike in San Diego. It's like the must do hike for the new residents of San Diego. It's a not too difficult, not too long. Solid views of San Diego. Can't go wrong with this one. Parking is decent. They do have a small lot, but there's a lot of street parking. This place can definitely be busy though. Located in Mission trails park. Definitely worth doing, even though it can get pretty crowded. It's winter time.
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Curt T.

Yelp
This hike wasn't too bad. I'd say light to medium. Good workout and you will sweat a little bit but not overly strenuous. A lot of switchbacks so the climb is not overly steep. Nice views from the top. Parking pretty easy I enjoyed the hike
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Nancy H.

Yelp
Hike: We chose a random 4-5mi route off Alltrails. It took us to Cowles Mountain's Summit, which at 1591 feet, is the highest point in Mission Trails Regional Park. We took some lovely photos along the way. Intensity: I would say moderate intensity hike, out and back. So whatever uphill you do will become downhill, and whatever downhill you did will become uphill on the way back! Not much shade, which didn't matter for a winter morning hike but may be an issue if you try to do a late hike in the summer Parking: We did free street parking because at 8AM, we already saw hikers street parking and walking toward the park. The lot attached to Cowles Mountain staging area already looked full. There is a bathroom here; I did not use it but it looked like a typical park bathroom
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Shayla B.

Yelp
It's a zoo. Straight up. If you don't mind being around 100 other people at 6 am in the morning who are hiking this trail in flip flops with their music blasting, then you MIGHT just get a kick out of this place. Waaaaay too crowded. Way too many people not taking it seriously and coming unprepared. There are better hikes with better views in SD. But since I know that people will still come here (it IS a zoo after all), might as well give you the deets on the actual trailhead. The trail is a short 3 mile out and back with gradual inclining switchbacks that have no shade. It's best to start early. And when I say early, I mean at the crackus of dawn! 6 am apparently wasn't early enough since the parking lot was already full when I arrived. The parking lot is very small, but there is street parking... that seems to go on for miles since this is a popular hike. During the warmer months, you should definitely get there as early as possible because it gets extremely hot. The views on the way up get better and better as you get higher up the trail. There's nothing really spectacular about this hike honestly, but the views at the top are pretty nice. Unfortunately, you'll have to share them with half of the city since everyone and their mama will probably be there. I'm just not one for crowds, so this hike was a bit painful for me in that aspect. I'd highly, HIGHLY recommend NOT coming on a weekend if you have the luxury to do so. I think that maybe I would have enjoyed this hike more if I had come during the week. But in any event, it's a decent workout with some nice views at the top. It's a one and done for me though. Would not return again. There are waaaay better hikes with better views and less crowds in this area.
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Michelle D.

Yelp
I checked out Cowles Mountain on my last night in San Diego. My niece her husband and I hiked the mountain to check out the sunset and it was a spectacular view! Please note if you plan to hike this mountain where proper shoes with lots of tread/grip because some sections were very steep and rocky and you do not want to fall. I wore slide on Skechers with little to no tread and I slipped a few times on my way down. But thankfully I did not fall;) There was a small parking lot at the bottom of the mountain and lots of street parking and a public restroom. We did not make it to the top as it was getting dark and I wanted to be able to see my next step. We used a phone flashlight for the last 10 minutes hiking down. The mountain was open to hiking until 10 PM. I would absolutely recommend checking out Cowles Mountain! Not only will you capture some spectacular views but you will get in a nice workout.
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Anne F.

Yelp
This has been my favorite hike in San Diego. We hiked up in the afternoon on a pretty hot day - I'd rate it as "moderate to easy" depending on your fitness level. The reason why it's my favorite is the spectacular view. You can see the SD skyline, ocean, surrounding mountains, lates, everything that makes SD such a fantastic place to live & visit. If you have a headlamp and feel comfortable hiking at night I highly suggest this spot for incredible sunset views. During my most recent hike I ended up hiking back down the mountain about half way to make the return trip a little easier and still was "wowed" by the view. It's perfect for a picnic and high on the list of activities that I suggest to my more active friends/family when they come visit SD and a hike I'm sure I'll do again and again.
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Julie B.

Yelp
I love this trail. About 3 miles roundtrip. Great for beginners! There's a small parking lot but lots of street parking, don't leave anything valuable in your car. They have restrooms at the base. Beautiful view at the top!
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Tina C.

Yelp
Probably one of the most popular hikes. Wear proper shoes ( a lot of rocks, small and big) enough water (depending on the time of day you go) and some snacks. They have restrooms at the small parking lot. I believe they have several ways you can begin the trail at . also have a coffee/tea smoothie shop just across the street. You will see people of all ages. This has to be one of my top 5 hikes. 3miles. Give this trail a go! Lastly at the top they have a map of other trails and their elevation
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Shelly M.

Yelp
Grateful that this trail is open for the opportunity to exercise and enjoy nature, but it needs to be maintained for erosion and perhaps a couple of trash receptacles here and there. Unfortunately, pet owners think that just because they put their pet's waste in a bag, they can just leave it on the trail...so discourteous. Also, the bathrooms are atrocious! It always smells very badly and isn't very clean.
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Brenda B.

Yelp
This is a nice little hike, at first you don't really think it's that huge, but about halfway up, you start thinking are we almost there yet? Lol There is a plaque on top of the mountain, which gives you a little history. Definitely good for picture taking up there. The best thing about this hike are the dogs!
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Audrey L.

Yelp
One of San Diego's best hiking spots! It's always very busy but there's a parking lot and plenty of street parking. The trail takes you to the top of the mountain with a view of San Diego. On a clear day, you can see the beach. The hike to the top of the mountain and back down is three miles. It's a great hike, the only drawback is how packed it can be due to how popular the trail is in San Diego.
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Yvette S.

Yelp
What an amazing hike! It takes about an hour round trip. It's definitely steep going up but worth that extra push in your glutes. I would consider this trail moderate. There is absolutely no shade on the trail so slap on that sunscreen, wear a hat and bring plenty of water. I highly recommend hiking boots. There is a nice plaque once you reach the top with breathtaking views of San Diego. Now there is a small parking lot at the bottom of the mountain with restrooms. However if you end up parking on the street make sure your tires are positioned in the right direction because they do write tickets!!
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Meagan E.

Yelp
Short hike for regular or avid hikers. Decent for the average joe. 1.5 straight up from the base an incline hike that is quite rocky/boulderous so wear solid shoes. Offers gorgeous view of the city, although the trail is a very busy one. And pretty narrow so be prepared to frequently squeeze past people or pause to let others by. The brevity and people traffic means I wont make this a regular visit. I'd be back to bring a visitor for the incredible views.
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Stephen B.

Yelp
I've grown to enjoy this hike a great deal. It's in such close proximity to numerous residential areas so it gets busy at different times of the day, but it's also quiet at certain times. I've seen folks out with flashlights at the crack of Dawn. We've convinced our little one to do it a few times to watch the sunrise. If you prefer less crowded routes go up the access road a little further away. It's busy but always seems less crowded vs the primary Cowles trail.
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Robert B.

Yelp
We've frequented this trail for years. My soon-to-be nine-year-old daughter has trekked it eight times. Lately, however, there's been an overpowering stench of dog waste. It's become so noticeable that even my daughter mentioned it. We might start exploring new hiking trails soon.
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Diana C.

Yelp
Love this hike! I used to take the back side a lot when I was living in San Diego and living near Navajo Street in La Mesa it's typically less crowded and slippery than the front side.
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Myra S.

Yelp
4-23-2022 As I reach the top, a howl escapes my purse lips and the beast in me awakens...hello world, I am present and I matter. It's not just about the hike; it's the wind that caresses my face, the height that tingles my equilibrium, and the victory of reaching the top. This hike is not hard at all, I appreciate the steepness, I appreciate the lengthy fleet and I appreciate the company I keep. This trail is good for training. Located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, this summit reaches a steep one thousand five hundred ninety three feet and overlooks the San Carlos neighborhood within the vicinity of San Diego. It stands as the highest point of the city of Sand Diego. Not bad for my first hike of twenty twenty two. I shall return!
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Blessing O.

Yelp
Nice place for a quick hike in mission trails regional park. This one is very busy on the weekends, so go early if you don't like crowds. There is a tiny parking lot that fits about 15 cars but there is lots of street parking if you cannot find one in the parking lot. The annoying thing about this trail is people leave their dog poop which is kinnda gross to see when hiking. Difficulty level is Difficult . Beautiful 360 view at the top totally worth the hike. Clean restroom facilities at the staging area.
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Beth G.

Yelp
Great hike! Medium-level difficulty. Plenty of parking at the trail head and surrounding neighborhood. Bathrooms at the trailhead. Highly recommend doing this early in the morning or during Winter when not so hot. Great views on the way up and up top! Dog friendly.
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Nina A.

Yelp
Nice, clean trail! Just small parking lot! We went in the AM around 9. Typically busy hours since everyone wants to get that hike in during the AM! It was pretty annoying having to park half a mile away from the trail (LOL). We spent about 1.5 hrs hiking round trip. The trail is well maintained and not too hard. Bathrooms are at the start. Easy enough for kiddos.. not alot of shade, but we went when it was cooler. Lots of space at the top for those selfies and excellent view!
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Tanner C.

Yelp
Really great workout with a very rewarding and gorgeous view of San Diego. If you would like a longer hike with less crowds, begin on the Santee side at Big Rock Park. It begins with switchbacks and then connects with the service road, and I much prefer it to the Laks Murray side. If the clouds are ever low on a rainy day, hike to the top and you will see blue skies!
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Jessica S.

Yelp
We've hiked four of the 5 peaks in Mission Trails, and Cowles ranks at the very bottom of my favorites list. It's a popular spot, so we purposely avoided the "main" trail head, choosing to approach the peak via Big Rock Park and the Cowles Service Road. That turned out to be a good idea; while we met a few other hikers, it definitely never got crowded - until we hit the summit, that is. But, before we get to that, the Big Rock Trail is easy to follow and well-marked. While most of the path is unshaded, there were a couple of spots that offered a brief respite from the heat and sun. It's a steep ascent, so you'll feel it in your lower body well before you hit the service road. And speaking of the service road, be prepared to slip. Like, a *lot*. It's a path made for vehicles, not hikers, so the rocks that line the gentle incline are small and loose, and easily give way under your feet. We shambled our way up most of the service road before taking the path that connected to the "main" Cowles Trail path to get to the summit. So - back to the popularity of this spot. I love that there are so many locals that want to see the views and take the pictures, but it was just *so* crowded at the peak. We were dodging running kids, duck-face selfie-takers (people still make those faces, huh?), groups of half-naked teens and people lost in their music as we tried to find a place to catch our breath for a minute. Right before we ambled off in the direction of Pyles Peak, I had to ask a father if we could get a picture of the Cowles sign, which his kids had been climbing/sitting/standing in front of for the entire 5 minutes we were there. I think it was just a shock to my senses, after having spent the majority of the hike with just my husband and nature, to be bombarded with a wall of people. Don't think we'll hike Cowles again...at least, not until we take up the 5 Peak Challenge.
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Victoria A.

Yelp
I'm not good with directions but If you find the beginning / parking area of this hike you're already winning! Basically rocky, dusty, no shade, lots of switchbacks and people on this trail. My phone says it's about 3.5 miles trek roundtrip from my car to the top. Cool views at the top but much too hot for my taste but great walk up a hill. Again lots of people and their pets makes it pretty safe to do alone.
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V M.

Yelp
A great 35 minute sweat/hike! Plenty of parking, restrooms, trash cans and VIEWS! The area obviously get slippery when it rains so calculate 2-3 days after for it to still be a bit muddy to bring appropriate gear/shoes!
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PatrickJ T.

Yelp
One of my hiking goals is to complete the Mission Trails 5 Peak Challenge. We do not make it to the San Diego area too often. When we do come to the area, we try to hike somewhere. This past July, we hiked the Cowles Mountain trail. The summit is about 1592 feet above sea level. The trail to get up to the is not strenuous. I would rate it moderate. The trail is very popular. Lots of folks of all ages hike Cowles Mountain. We arrived around 10:30am, and it was difficult to find parking. Finally found some street parking not too faraway. It was a bit hot that day. Probably about 80 degrees if memory serves me correctly. Make sure to bring a liter or two of water plus some sunscreen when you come over. Some parts of the trail are rocky so watch your step. Other than that plus the heat, the trail was not very challenging. Just stop, enjoy the views, and take some pics if you need a break. A good workout overall.
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Johnna G.

Yelp
Ugh! This is one of my favorite spots to exercise because it's local and a fairly quick hike. It's definitely a spot that you need to get to early to avoid the crowds, and it is one where most people clearly don't appreciate what a hike means. For instance, appreciating the nature around you and not blasting your speakers for everyone to hear. The world has advanced and there are some very high quality earbuds/earphones, whatever is most comfortable for you, so that we all are not subject to your music. Also if you're in a big group and want to use this as a group hike/casual experience, move to the right and let people pass. Lastly, take your trash with you. No one wants to pick up your pets waste bags, empty water bottles, used masks, etc. Ok, that's all :)