At 1,592 feet, Cowles Mountain is the highest point within the city of San Diego. Located in the San Carlos neighborhood of the city, its main hiking route is one of the most popular in the area, with a 360-degree view from the summit.
So how do you pronounce it?
Cowles is actually pronounced “coals,” although most of the population doesn’t know it and pronounces it more phonetically as “cow-ellz.” It was named after George Cowles, one of the first ranchers in the area.
Is it part of Mission Trails Park?
Yes. Mission Trails Regional Park encompasses nearly 5,800 acres of natural and developed recreational acres. Located downtown and just eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego, Mission Trails Regional Park offers a quick and natural escape from the urban bustle. And Cowles Mountain is a favorite destination for people who want a challenging hike close by.
Hiking the mountain
Not only is the Cowles Mountain hiking trail the most popular in the area, it is also one of the most populated. Although the elevation change from the 1.5 mile main trail is almost 950 feet, it is relatively easy for adults and kids alike. Due to the safety in numbers, one never feels isolated from help.
The main trail on Golfcrest Drive
Most of the hikes on Cowles Mountain take the main trail, with its gradual rise over 1.5 miles. The trailhead can be reached at Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road. There is a visitor center with information, toilets and water.
Other trails
Barker Way Trail
This trail uses less than 10% of the use of the Cowles Mountain Golfcrest trail. This trail has twenty-five curves over 1.05 miles to its intersection with the main trail.
Big Rock Park Trailhead
The Big Rock trail probably has the fewest users and is the most challenging.
Mesa Road Trailhead
This underused trail is one of the gems of the park. In many of its segments, the chaparral is so high and thick that the road appears to pass through a tunnel.
Mountain «S» – Urban legend?
If it looks like you can see a faint “S” on the side of the mountain, you are not seeing things. In early 1931, it was known as the “S” mountain, and SDSU students painted a white “S” on the mountain. Over the decades, the ‘S’ would fade and then be repainted by subsequent generations of students until its last painting in the late 1980s. With the Park now designated as a protected area, the ‘S’ has faded in memory of.
Directions to Cowles Mountain
Main Trail Start: Cowles Mountain from Golfcrest Drive
From Interstate 8 – Take 8 to College Avenue Exit. Continue north on College Avenue 1.0 miles to Navajo Road. Turn right and continue on Navajo Road 1.9 miles to Golfcrest Drive. Turn left on Golfcrest Drive to enter parking lot.
From Route 52 – Take 52 to Mast Blvd. Exit at Santee. Driving east, turn left on Mast Blvd., go under the freeway to the first traffic sign (West Hills Parkway) and turn right. Driving west, turn right on Mast Blvd. and right on West Hills Parkway. Take West Hills Parkway to Mission Gorge Road and turn right. Follow Mission Gorge Road 1.9 miles to Golfcrest Drive. Turn left on Golfcrest Drive and continue to the top of the hill. The waiting area is on the left at the intersection of Navajo Road and Golfcrest Drive.
From Route 125 – Take 125 North to Mission Gorge Road. Exit Mission Gorge Road and turn left. Follow Mission Gorge Road 3.3 miles to Golfcrest Drive. Turn left on Golfcrest Drive and go 1 mile to the top of the hill. The waiting area is on the left at the intersection of Navajo Road and Golfcrest Drive.
