Cowles Mt, San Diego CA

• 3-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 910 feet
• San Diego, CA | San Diego Region
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Two shirtless men on the Cowles Mountain Summit in Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego. They are enjoying a panoramic view of the city from the highest point in the park. The summit offers a 360-degree view of San Diego County and beyond

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.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 3★ Cowles Mt Trail 2.9 mi out-and-back, moderate, gain 910 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

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.

A serene hiking trail with wooden fences leading through lush greenery under a clear blue sky, offering a view of a distant valley and city.

One of the flatter sections of trail.

a scenic cityscape view from a high vantage point, featuring greenery in the foreground and a dense arrangement of houses leading to a skyline of tall buildings under a partly cloudy sky. It illustrates the juxtaposition of natural and urban environments.

Views towards San Diego some ten miles distant.

A panoramic view of a sprawling urban area with dense housing, greenery, and a body of water, seen from an elevated vantage point with rocky outcrops and purple flowers in the foreground.

Looking south towards Lake Murray.

Tangents:
• Official: Mission Trails Regional Park
• Public Map at AllTrails: Cowles Mt Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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