Cowles Mountain - Southwest Approach

ELEVATION: 1,592 FT
DISTANCE: 3.2 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours
DIFFICULTY: Moderate

Cowles Mountain, the highest of the five peaks in Mission Trails Regional Park is hands down the most popular mountain to climb in San Diego county. Its central location offers easy access and great views of San Diego in all directions, and the southwest trail is well maintained and and was designed with switchbacks to provide a gradual uphill hike to the peak.

The mountain can be approached from at least four different trailheads; the most popular is the southwest trailhead that begins at a parking lot on the corner of Golfcrest and Navajo road in the San Carlos area. This ascent to the summit is an easy ascent, with some level spots but little downhill. Because of switchbacks and the gradual climb, arriving at the summit can be a surprise (an, "oh, I'm here" experience).

On the highest point of the summit is a monument, and nearby is a radio tower that is a distinguishing feature of the mountain when viewed from a distance. The summit is a great place to watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean to the west, or to point out several other natural and man-made landmarks of San Diego. There are two helpful signs at the top that will aid you in identifying them.

The trail will often be crowded with other hikers and runners; this holds true especially on weekend mornings, when on one day an estimated 800 people were counted as having hiked the mountain between sunrise and sunset. The parking lot holds 20 -30 cars, but you should feel fortunate if you are able to find a space, unless you hike the mountain during the day on a weekday. Most likely you will end up parking along the side of the road on Golfcrest. However, as popular as a hike this is, I would still rate it one of the best all-around hikes in San Diego County.