Camino Club: Cowles Mountain

La Mesa

Join us for an invigorating walk up Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego at 1,593 feet. This iconic local trail offers a moderately challenging 3-mile roundtrip hike with rewarding panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just beginning your walking journey, this trail is a favorite for its accessible climb and scenic summit. As part of our Camino Club series, you'll walk with a supportive community of like-minded explorers while discovering one of Southern California’s most beloved urban hikes.

Description

Overview

  • Half Day

    Budget: ~2 Hours

  • La Mesa, CA

    Trailhead: 7001 Golfcrest Drive, San Diego, 92119

  • Hike

    Out & Back

  • Challenging

    ~3 miles

    ~900 ft elevation gain

  • Path

    Dirt & Rock trail

Pack List

  • Day Pack

  • Footwear

    Hiking shoes or boots recommended

  • Clothing

    Layered active wear

  • Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Snacks

  • Water

  • Walking Poles

    Optional

Directions

Start Point

Our walk will begin from the Cowles Mountain Trailhead.

 

Finish Point

Our walk will finish back at the Cowles Mountain Trailhead.

 

Map

Route Preview

FAQs

  • While our meetups focus on the mental and physical benefits of active walking, todays meetup will also include historical stories and facts about Coronado.

  • We will meet at Tidelands Park main parking lot. Look for Kyle with his walking stick.

    • Free parking at Tidelands Park public parking lot

  • Today's walk will cover ~5 miles.

  • We walk rain or shine—well, mostly! Light rain or mist won't stop us from hitting the trail, so bring a rain jacket just in case. That said, the safety and comfort of our group always come first. If severe weather is in the forecast—such as thunderstorms, heavy downpours, or unsafe walking conditions—we may cancel or reschedule the walk. In the event of a weather-related cancellation, we’ll notify you as early as possible.

  • Todays walk will be mostly flat on paved sidewalks.

  • We recommend well-worn, comfortable trainers or hiking shoes. To prevent blisters, avoid wearing brand new footwear.

  • Absolutely! It’s not a race—everyone has their own pace, and we encourage you to stop and rest whenever you need to. Plus, we’ll plan rest stops along the way for snacks, restrooms, and a chance to take in the beautiful surroundings. After all, we’re Footbreaks—it’s in the name!

  • Our walks are open to adults aged 18 and over.

  • We love our furry friends, but unfortunately, this walk isn’t pet-friendly due to the restrictions along the route. However, we’re just as excited as you are about the idea of dog-friendly walks and hope to organize them in the future—so stay tuned! If you have a service animal please get in touch!

  • Each walk comes with its own set of challenges. We encourage you to reach out to us at info@footbreaks.com , call or text 619-663-8628 to discuss your specific needs.