Cowles Mountain Hike - Explore San Diego

Cowles Mountain Hike

Address: Navajo Rd and Golfcrest San Diego (Google Maps View)
Directions: It is very easy to get there from the halls. Take College Ave. over I-8 all the way to Navajo. Make a Right on Navajo and then a Left on Golfcrest and park near the lot on your right. It takes about 5-8 min and wouldnt be too long of a bike ride but I dont recommend walking there the first time you go.
Rating:

Views: 1476

This is a must do if you are just coming to San Diego from somewhere else. The view that you get from the top is simply amazing. There is a 360 degree view of San Diego and really puts you above everything. You can see East County and then turn around and see downtown. The view is the highlight that makes everyones trip well worth the hike. The 1.5 mile hike is not hard but make sure you bring comfortable shoes. It takes about 18-20 minutes to walk to the top which is 1591 above sea level. The hike down is usually 4 min faster and some choose to jog down. If you jog watch out for the rockier parts of the trail.

The hike is very rewarding with the views from the top. Remember to stay on the trail. If you like this trail there are others around in the Mission Trails Regional Park. Check out their site to explore more. More reviews of other trails to come.

One more interesting thing about this mountain is that it used to have a giant S in painted white rocks at the top. The story I heard from my dad is that during SDSU games when they played at the old stadium they shinned a huge white light at the mountain and it reflected the S for all to see.

Author: Keith Petersen

Tip 1	Bring a water bottle on hotter days. Recycle it at the top or bottom.
Tip 2	Time yourself to challenge yourself and receive a great workout.
Tip 3	At the top their are other places to sit and relax. Go left over the fire road to some flat rocks with a backrest.

Useful Link: Trail Details
Useful Link: Mission Trails Regional Park

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Name	Comment
Phil	Great view at the top. Be very careful after a rainy day as the trails are deteriorating. As said in the review, the view at the top is one of the best around. Don't forget to touch the plaque at the top. (tradition for those that hike the mountain)
Adriana Reaver	Great place to hike! Took us a little longer than the review said.. about 1 hour to go up and come back down. Great view from the top, well worth the hike. I can't wait to do it again!!