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Big Rock Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 142 Google reviews · Running trail in Santee, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Big Rock Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with a trail to the top of Cowles Mountain, along with views.
What runners say about Big Rock Trailhead
“So beautiful in the winter time after some rain!”
We started from children's park where we parked our car. It's about a 5 minute walk from there. This hike has a climb with switchbacks similar to The Cowles Mountain with a greener nature and better view in my opinion. It even has a small water stream with a tiny bridge.
Tough trail! A lot of it is fire road, but there is a nice bit of it on a small trail. Pretty steep uphill the whole 1st half.
Easy parking because there aren't very many people doing this more difficult trail. Everyone goes the the boring lame switchback side of Cowles. Great trail with a few options of direction along the way. My quads are still sore a couple days later. Picture is from the top looking back down at where my car is parked.
This was a fantastic hike! My wife and I are novice hikers, this was a bit of a challenge. It was tons of fun though. It took us about 2:15 total. The weather was great! The trail is fairly difficult but great! The peak has rewarding views! Definitely worth the time!!!
Trail conditions & character
“This hike has a climb with switchbacks similar to The Cowles Mountain with a greener nature and better view in my opinion.”
“This trailhead was easy to find and offered great street parking in the early morning.”
“This hike has a climb with switchbacks similar to The Cowles Mountain with a greener nature and better view in my opinion.”
“It starts as a leisurely walk then moves to more rugged rocky and stairs.”
“I really enjoy this hike because it is less populated than the front side but it is so accessible.”
Plan your run at Big Rock Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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