Cowles Mountain: San Diego's Summit
Conquer San Diego's highest peak! Hike Cowles Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views and a rewarding outdoor experience in Mission Trails Regional Park.
Hike to the highest point in the City of San Diego, Cowles Mountain, for panoramic views stretching from Mexico to Orange County. A popular destination within Mission Trails Regional Park, the well-maintained trail offers a moderately challenging climb suitable for various fitness levels.
A brief summary to Cowles Mountain
- Cowles Mountain, San Diego, San Carlos, California, 92119, US
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Hike during cooler hours, especially in summer, as there's minimal shade on the trail.
- Bring plenty of water and wear appropriate hiking shoes with ankle support due to the rocky terrain.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited and the trail can get crowded.
- Consider sharing your location with a trusted contact for safety.
- Check the Mission Trails Regional Park website for any trail closures or advisories before your hike.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From various points in San Diego, take the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus route 115 to the intersection of Jackson Drive and Golfcrest Drive. From there, it's an 11-minute walk (approximately 0.5 miles) to the Cowles Mountain trailhead. A single ride on the MTS costs $2.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From downtown San Diego, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to the Cowles Mountain Trailhead will cost approximately $20-$30. The ride is about 15 miles and typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in San Diego start with a base fee of $3.00, plus $3.32 per mile. Ride-share pricing may vary based on demand.
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Walking
If you are near the Cowles Mountain Staging Area (7001 Golfcrest Dr, San Diego, CA 92119), you can walk directly to the trailhead. From the staging area, follow the signs to the Cowles Mountain Trail. The trail begins at the southern end of the parking lot. There are no fees for accessing the trail.
Discover more about Cowles Mountain
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
San Diego "S" Mountain Historic Site
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Old Mission Dam
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SDSU Centennial Plaza
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Aztec Bowl Monument
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Mt. Helix Park
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Bancroft Ranch House Museum
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North Park Water Tower
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North Park Sign
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Old Trolley Barn Park
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The Boulevard Sign (El Cajon Blvd)
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San Diego Sand Castles
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Casa Del Prado
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Marston House
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San Diego History Center
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Casa de Balboa
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mission Trails Regional Park
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Sky Combat Ace | San Diego
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San Diego Police Museum
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iFLY Indoor Skydiving - San Diego Mission Valley
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North Park
11.8 km
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Rich's
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Lockdown Escape Rooms - San Diego
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Flicks
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Balboa Park
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Balboa Park Carousel
13.8 km
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Desert Garden
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Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
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Spanish Village Art Center
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San Diego Natural History Museum
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San Diego Zoo
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Essential places to dine
The Rabbit Hole
10.0 km
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Wormwood
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Steamy Piggy
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One Door North
12.2 km
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The Smoking Goat Restaurant
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RustiCucina
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Trust
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insideOUT
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Tobeys 19th Hole Restaurant
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Sabertooth Grill
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Busy Bee Cafe
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Sweet Shack
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Safari Kitchen
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Albert's Restaurant
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Prado
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Angkor Gift Shop
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Back From Tomboctou Gallery
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Hunt & Gather
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The Cave of Wonders
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The Gold Dust Collective
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Uncommon Thread Vintage
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Bad Madge & Co.
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Gold Leaf
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Balboa Mesa Shopping Center
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Sydney's Shoppe
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Tusker's Trunk
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North Star Science Store
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Panda Shop
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Bibliotique
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Arctic Trader
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sycamore Den
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Polite Provisions
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Realm Of The 52 Remedies
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The Office Bar
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Part Time Lover
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Whistle Stop Bar
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Blarney Stone Pub
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Lady Carolyn's Pub
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The Corner Drafthouse
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Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe
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Room 56
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Vin de Syrah
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Noble Experiment
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Young Blood
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Neighborhood
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Blue Agave Night Club
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Club Caribe
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La Luz Ultralounge
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San Diego VIP Nightlife
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Parq Nightclub
16.1 km
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Phantom Lounge and Nightclub
16.1 km
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Bloom Nightclub
16.2 km
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Onyx Room
16.3 km
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F6ix
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Side Bar
16.4 km
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TORO
16.4 km
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The Brig
16.4 km
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San Diego Club Crawl
16.4 km
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Spin Nightclub
16.5 km
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NOVA SD
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