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Cowles Mountain Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,024 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 60 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Cowles Mountain 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.
Picturesque uphill hiking trail known for its panoramic views at the summit.
What runners say about Cowles Mountain Trailhead
“The other is a wide service road heading northeast, which is a constant, less scenic uphill incline that I found less enjoyable.”
I always enjoy hiking Cowles. It's good exercise for a weekday morning if you don't have a lot of time. Depending on your fitness level, it's only about 45 minutes up and even quicker down. It's really great having such a picturesque hike right in the city. 360 degree views from the summit.
Best close Rugged, Scenic 360 views of SD County. I only hiked a 1/4 Distance up today...
I used to be unable to hike halfway up this trail. Now, I can't stop hiking it. Thanks to this mountain, I can walk much farther than before, and I've lost a lot of weight. It is worth noting that this trail has many snakes and other awesome looking small animals, so be careful where you step.
Moderate Trail. It was around 3 mile and took us little over one hour to complete it. It was heavily trafficked. The elevation was 1700+ ft, walking uphill was bit challenging. The trail is dog friendly. Nice maintained. You can complete the Pyles trail from Cowles too.
Trail conditions & character
“The other is a wide service road heading northeast, which is a constant, less scenic uphill incline that I found less enjoyable.”
“There is a parking lot that fills up quickly, and there are two vending machines filled with waters, vitamin waters, and Gator Aide that you can purchase for 4.”
“The other is a wide service road heading northeast, which is a constant, less scenic uphill incline that I found less enjoyable.”
“Dogs are allowed on leash, but please be mindful and go when it's cooler.”
“There's also a nice little cafe across the street and vending machines and bathrooms at the bottom.”
“There are several switchbacks leading up to the summit, technical terrain between jagged rock and sand so be sure to wear footwear with good grip.”
“5 miles, gets steeper as you go, but it is totally manageable.”
“Depending on your fitness level, it's only about 45 minutes up and even quicker down.”
Plan your run at Cowles Mountain 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
- Distance60 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesandiego.gov
- Phone(619) 668-3281
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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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