Cowles Mountain Trail is a 2.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near San Diego, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
birding
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
trail running
walking
forest
views
wild flowers
rocky
no shade
The scenic pathway up Cowles Mountain is one of the most popular trails in San Diego County. The trailhead starts in the San Carlos neighborhood on the corner of Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road and summits the highest point in the City of San Diego. Visitors will enjoy great views during the entire ascent but the summit offers 360 degree panoramic views of downtown San Diego, Mexico, North County and Orange County on a clear day.
Love this hike!
Good exercise. Great View. Close to home.
Stars only for easy hike with good payoff with a nice view of San Diego, otherwise very crowded with people with horrible trail etiquette. Speakers blasting music, trash not packed out, people not staying on trail and ruining surrounding brush.
The back side is more preferred. Not nearly as crowded and is more demanding.
Smashed this hike wearing 60lbs of body armor....it gets very crowded, get there early. It is an easy hike that would be great for a beginner who is unsure about their skill level. The views are nice from the summit and you’ll feel
Like you’ve accomplished something.
It was a decent hike up, but definitely super crowded. I was there by 8 & there were still a bunch of people already on the trail.
good trail for beginners
Awesome trail! Full of happy helpful folks!
Great hike with spectacular views of San Diego. You can also jog or run the path leading to the summit. It’s great for kids, groups, dogs and runners.
First time hiking this mountain while I visit SD. Not bad at all, but the haze in the sky was depressing. Maybe smoke or just pollution, but not too clear for looking into the distance. Pretty views all around otherwise and I guess not too busy for a weekday morning. Yay vacation! A good little workout just enough to get the blood pumping. More moderate than difficult that the signs advertised. More trails to check out in the area.
awesome trail front side I good start then move to side service road and then for extra distance use big rock,, I come here at least twice a week for cardio workout
Great trail, was packed by 9am. Ground was like stepping on marbles and feet went out from under me. Beautiful view all the way up
I hike the service road 4-5 times a week. Great hike and I love it. Amazed how much trash is left behind and people with dogs off leash. Just posted a picture of a rattlesnake I saw last week. Please leash your dog so they don’t get bitten and I better not catch anyone leaving trash.
:)
A little challenging due to the amount of people but great. Please keep your pups on a leash, especially the smaller ones. People do run up and down. Once you reach the top know there are other trails that branch off. Take water!
Nice if you hike early morning
This hike is easily one of my favorites!!! It’s challenging enough to get your heart pumping & there is such an incredibly beautiful view from the top!! I love the two panoramic photo boards that point out many of the noteworthy sights you can see from the summit!
It's beautiful
great experience in wonderful views
great trail. go early to miss the heat. it is usually 10-15 degrees warmer than downtown. bring extra water.
Simple, easy to follow trail with great views at the top.
Dre M.
Amazing view! A little crowded and dog owners need to do a better job of cleaning up after their pets!!
I have an 8 year old daughter who had never been hiking before. She pushed through it and was so proud of herself at the top. I think it’s the perfect challenge for kiddos around that age. Adult beginners too! The views at the top are incredible.
Obviously a staple in the San Diego area. This trail is easily travelled by even children around 8 to 10. You'll probably have more trouble with crowds than the trail itself. Go as early as possible to avoid congestion. Plus, early morning views from the crest are amazing.
Great hike, rocky, have gone with my friends, my hubby & kids (7, 11, 15) and also my mom in her 60s, go early 7 or 8, nice views, bring water and snack, can get crowded later in day. Breakfast or brunch at Trails Eatery after. Enjoy!
Great trail, nice hike moderately traveled. Amazing view once you get to the top! Only 4 stars because not many posted signs and there are no bathrooms and based on the number of rattle snakes I saw, you will not want to venture into the brush to go.
Done it many times, very nice spot; that whole Regional Park system as well!
Personal favorite when I visit home. Bring water as always
You must run this trail early in the morning. By mid to late morning, it’s extremely busy. Not too hard of a hike and the view at the top is gorgeous!
Cowles is a convenient, quick hike that unfortunately is a victim of its popularity. The trail itself is great, maintained well with challenging sections and plenty of areas to catch your breath. But Cowles can be extremely busy, and SO MANY hiking it have zero trail manners, which is a huge bummer. Parking can also be a chore if you arrive during busy times.
BUT, the views are great once you get to the top. Full view of every bit of San Diego and beyond. Definitely worth it.