San Diego Hiking Trails

I used the entrance at Golf Crest and Navajo and it is 1.5 miles up. I have done it a few times now and it is always fun. You will see many people on this trail during the weekends. For an extra burn, run up it. It's enjoyable to walk up and jog down for a bit of extra excitement. It can get pretty warm, but never too hot to handle.

Scenery is the same as most mountains in San Diego, so I gave it a 4. Looking out over the city is nice, but similar to the rest.

Hi! I have a question. We are visiting San Diego this week (10/6 thru 10/12). We would like to do this hike, but I need to know if the distance you posted - 4.7 miles is one-way or round-trip? If it's round-trip, that would be perfect; one-way would be a long day. Please let me know by Monday, 10/5/09 if possible.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate any help you can give us re: this.

Shari from IL

Compared to Mt. Woodson and Iron Mountain, Mt. Cowles is a very short hike. It does have a few steep parts, but if you have hiked the two mountains i mentioned above then Cowles should be a piece of cake.

I went on a Sunday afternoon and saw about 50+ fellow hikers, so it does get pretty crowded. I gave it 5 stars for difficulty because of its short length. It took only about 20 minutes to summit and about the same to hike down. If your looking for a quick sweat, Cowles is your mountain.

I am in pretty good shape, but I haven't hiked a mountain in years. Cowles Mountain was basically my first. I rated it 7, not b/c I questioned whether I could make the top, but by the quality of workout it took.

Forget about the gym. No matter how long it takes, it's time better spent, physically and mentally. And if you can't make it, now you have a greater incentive to come back, instead of hoping to beat your elliptical time.

24 hours later, my quads are on fire, my abs are sore and my shoulders and arms are burning...all in a good way. I feel strong and accomplished.

It also seems that there are multiple paths to get to the top. I went from up Mesa Rd, so I look forward to going a different route, hence, the low map rating.

As you approach the peak, you realize that the last bit is the toughest and most vertical, as well as the most rewarding. Some shouldn't try it on their first time...you'll know it when you see it. Remember, the way down is tough too, despite the aid of gravity.

At the summit, there's plenty of spots to sit and have lunch with great views. If you're in shape, you'll enjoy the workout. If you're not fit, I would start with a smaller mountain or be content to not complete this one, if you can't make that last part. Don't be a victim of pride; there's no judges on the mountain.

This is a great trail for mountain biking. The ride up is grueling but the ride down is wild and fast.