Cowles Mountain Hike

5 miles - Moderate Effort
2-3 Hours (Total)
1,170 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 1,593 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

The Cowles Mountain hike brings you to the highest point in San Diego at 1,593ft, with views from Mexico to Orange County. Cowles Mountain is also one of the most popular hikes in San Diego, so I've routed this hike up the less trafficked and more scenic "back way" up the mountain. It's a fun, safe beginner hike, and a must-do if you're in San Diego.

In this Guide:

Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Video
Cowles Mountain Trail Maps
How to Get to Cowles Mountain

Quick Links:
Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

Cowles Mountain is named after George A. Cowles, who was a rancher, farmer, and businessman here in the 1870s-80s. Orginally from the East Coast, Cowles moved to San Diego, expanded his fortune and became known as the "Raisin King of the US." Today Cowles Mountain is part of Mission Trails Regional Park, the largest municipally owned park in Southern California (7th largest in the USA) at nearly 7,000 acres.

Where is Cowles Mountain?

Use this as the GPS trailhead address: 8282 Mesa Rd, Santee, CA 92071

Parking is on the street and free. There is a bathroom in Big Rock Park, just before the trailhead.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 3 — Park as close to the trailhead as possible, which is just past Big Rock Park.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 2 — There is plenty of parking further down Mesa Road in front of the park.

Gear for the Hike

You don't need any special hiking gear for the Cowles Mountain Hike, you can do it with fitness clothes. In fact, when I did this trip report, I saw a guy in a thong doing the hike. Luckily, I wasn't hiking behind him. Generally I use light hiking gear for the best experience.

The trail is mostly exposed and can get very hot. Bring at least 1-2L of water. In the summer you can also get bugs, so insect repellant helps. Trekking poles come in handy on the steep ups and downs.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Cowles Mountain Trail Maps

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

cowles mountain hike 3d map — You'll hike up the east side of Cowles Mountain to avoid the crowds on the more popular west side approach.

cowles mountain hike elevation — It's a steady uphill hike with a short section in the middle to catch your breath.

Mission Trails Region Park also has a full trail map if you'd like to explore more of the park.

How to Hike Cowles Mountain

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 4 — The beginning can be a little confusing with a bunch of trails branching out. Head to the hiking board and go straight.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 5 — You'll be heading up the Big Rock Trail for about half of the hike. The trails are well marked with signage.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 6 — The trail winds around and you'll be able to see Cowles Mountain in front of you. There are some ups and downs along the way.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 7 — Keep left on the bigger trail avoiding the small connector trail to the right.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 8 — And shortly after that keep left on the Big Rock Trail.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 9 — From here on out you're going uphill.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 1 — There's one little shaded section but otherwise the trail is very exposed.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 10 — Keep straight avoiding the Mesa Trail to the left.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 11 — As you climb you'll get some sweet views, including Cuyamaca Peak, the highest one in the distance here.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 12 — When you reach Cowles Service Road, make the right onto the wide dirt road.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 13 — From here to the summit you'll follow the road. You can see the summit in the distance. There's a short flat section here before you climb again.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 22 — Avoid any side trails (mainly to the left). You are staying on the main road until the summit.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 14 — If you look close you'll see the trail winding up the mountain.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 15 — There are some very steep sections between here and summit. Take your time, hydrate, and enjoy the views when you need to catch your breath.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 16 — When you get to the top, make the left to hit the summit.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 17 — Climb up the rocks after you turn. You can also go a little further on the trail and walk up steps, but what fun would that be?

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 18 — Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego! Enjoy the incredible panoramic views.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 19 — There are some interpretive displays in various conditions. My favorite is this one which points out all the mountain peaks you can see.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 20 — You can also cross the road to a lower section by the radio towers. There are good views to the north from here.

Cowles Mountain Hike Update 21 — And that's it! Just head back down the way you came to finish the hike.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.