Take a hike

Hike the highest summit in San Diego, Cowles Mountain. It has 1,593-foot summit and is with is Mission Trails Regional Park, just west of El Cajon. This is a quick trail that offers just the right level of difficulty for anyone. Low lying plants and a lack of trees add to the trails clean, well-groomed look. The main trail to the summit is a popular hiking destination taking hundreds of people per day to an amazing 360-degree panorama of San Diego County with views of Lake Murray below, the ocean, downtown, and Mexico. The hike to the tops is 1.5 miles long and an elevation change of about 950 feet. The trailhead has a visitor's center with information, restrooms, and water.