HomeCaliforniaSan Diego › Kwaay Paay Peak East Trailhead

Kwaay Paay Peak East Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 371 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
1 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Kwaay Paay Peak East 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.

1 miScenicHilly

Trail boasting views of mountains and the sea, with some steep climbs.

What runners say about Kwaay Paay Peak East Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (371 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“I absolutely love Mission Trails we love going hiking nature is so beautiful you get to see wildlife in all sorts of beautiful scenery.”

If you like hikes with a goal, this is a good option. Unlike Cowles mountain this trail is greener and offer occasional shade. There are some steps to climb, but other than that it's your regular unpaved hiking path. On the way back you may want to slow down a bit if you want to take easy on your knees.

★★★★★ — Deniz , Mar 2021

Love this trail! This is a very short and difficult hike but it has beautiful, amazing views! It's a very challenging trail and I believe van do this! Dont think because is just 1 mile is a piece of cake but don think to give up either 😉My first time I said 1 mile? Cool!

★★★★★ — Susan , Jun 2019

Love the trail options this place provides. You can choose flat or hilly. Wildlife and scenery in abundance.

★★★★★ — Randy , Apr 2023

There are so many different trails for different difficulty levels. So much to see and absolutely gorgeous in the spring!!!

★★★★★ — Stephanie , Mar 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 371 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 15 mentions

“I absolutely love Mission Trails we love going hiking nature is so beautiful you get to see wildlife in all sorts of beautiful scenery.”

More trails like this →

⛰️ Hills / elevation 6 mentions

“Challenging incline for this shorter hike, but well worth the amazing mountainous views at the top!”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Kwaay Paay Peak East Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitemtrp.org
  • Phone(619) 668-3277

Hours

Monday 7 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–7 PM
Thursday 7 AM–7 PM
Friday 7 AM–7 PM
Saturday 7 AM–7 PM
Sunday 7 AM–7 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Kwaay Paay Peak East Trailhead

Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119

Get directions

Running trails near San Diego

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Kwaay Paay Peak West Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 55 reviews

Santee, CA

Scenic

Hiking area featuring kid-friendly trails.

under a mile away

Grasslands Loop Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 15 reviews

Santee, CA

Loop

under a mile away

Mast Blvd Hiking Trail Head

4.8 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

Santee, CA

under a mile away

East Fortuna Staging Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 143 reviews

Santee, CA

Natural surfaceDog-friendly

Hiking area with multiple trails, picnic tables, and a restroom.

under a mile away

under a mile away

West Hills Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 302 reviews

Santee, CA

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Family-friendly, dog-friendly park featuring sand volleyball, baseball fields and clean bathrooms.

1.1 miles away

All running trails in San Diego, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.