Camino Club: Cowles Mountain

Cowles Mountain Trail

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: ~2-2.5 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

FAQs

  • We will meet at the staging area at the Cowles Mountain Trailhead next to the restrooms.

    • Free parking in the parking lot as well as street parking along Golfcrest Drive

  • Today's walk will cover ~3 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 a dirt and rock trail.

  • We recommend well-worn, hiking shoes or boots to help with the slippery surface of the trail

  • Absolutely! It’s not a race—everyone has their own pace, and we encourage you to stop and rest whenever you need to.

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

  • 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.