Cowles Mountain

San Diego has a number of hiking trails that will give even the most in-shape person a hardy workout. During the summer, you also have to factor in the heat, which makes the hiking even more of a challenge. Cowles Mountain (pronounced 'kohls' and named after George A. Cowles, a prominent ranching pioneer) is located in the neighborhood of San Carlos, with an elevation change of approximately 950', providing a 1.5 mile hike to the top.



I can't say that it's one of my favorite spots for hiking; there's not a lot to see on the way up, and typically the paths are crowded with runners, dogs with muzzles, and people who probably should not be attempting such an adventurous endeavor.



This time of year didn't provide much in the way of plant life, either.



Once you get to the top, you can read this marker which gives an abbreviated background on Cowles.



It's great to get such an expansive view of San Diego, but the closest areas do not show much more than tract homes and man-made bodies of water.



If you're looking to "get away from it all," Cowles is probably not going to do it for you.



There are a few maps showing you exactly what you're seeing from the top:



Willis was worn out by the time we got to the top; he was much more excited about the hike back down!



See more San Diego Cowles Mountain photos on my San Diego web page.