Cowles Mountain

Great exercise!! Amazing view . What's best is that there are all sorts of people in various ages and fitness levels going up and down the mountain , go at your own pace and enjoy the view at the sunset

You have to climb Cowles at least once! The view is awesome but a little crowded for my taste. Mission Trails offers much more and is just down the hill .

Climbed Cowles Mtn. for the first time today and for a beginner like me, its a brutal hike . I have these tips 1) Go early morning to avoid the heat. 2) lots of water! 3) warm up/stretch. 4)have fun!

Lotta people here on the weekend, even in the early morning. Only the main entrance on Golfcrest and a service road trail off Barker are accessible. All other trailheads have been closed.

Beautiful panoramic views from the top. Well marked trails w various options.

My favorite hiking trail in San Diego. I've done the regular hike countless times and always get a great work out. To add some variety hike Cowles during a full moon and also hike the back trail ! Read more

Great place for night hike , don't even need a full moon as the glow off the city is enough to light the way -- so long as you have decent eyesight.

if you bring a dog, please make sure you bring enough water for the dog, too.

Don't forget to tap the sign at the very top (otherwise you never did it =p)

Be sure to take lots of water! Night hikes are really beautiful. Just be sure to bring a very bright flashlight .

Go up one side, down the other and ruin back to your car. Great workout!

Absolutely Exhilarating! The feeling of accomplishment when you finally get to the top! It gets me every time.

On days like these, be sure to bring water. Not just for yourself, but for your dog as well . It's a strenuous hike .

This place is really crowded ... ALL THE TIME. Jus park far and add the distance to your workout :)!!!

If you want to run down that's great but please maintain a speed where you can stay in control. I saw an older lady almost knocked off her feet by a young man charging down the hill too fast

Watch your step and always have someone with you, I would have bled to death on this trail if not for the latter. Nice view from the top.

If you start out with no one on your heels and half way up a person appears take a moment to stop and let them pass!

Really good warm up hike before going to cedar creek or any other harder trail !

Nice for hiking and/or running. I love running down the Mountain . We have also climbed the 'backside' which is steeper than the front. Fun!

Beautiful 360 view of San Diego. Bring liquids and good shoes .

I'm at the top. "What's good?", you say? The view

Take the less traveled east trail to the summit. Directions in this week's Roam-O-Rama column! Read more

The pet owners that walk their dogs here in 90 degree heat are super awesome....

Such an amazing view on a clear day

Nice hike ! Arrive early for good parking .

Cowles will be closed mar 25-may 17 for repairing trails for unwanted foot traffic.

Lots of fun during a full moon . Just bring a flashlight and a cell phone. And a friend who knows first aid.

Awesome ...Wet and slippery but breathtaking

Great mountain for a quick hike !!

A new year and new car break-ins. I see broken glass on the side of the road . Lock ur card and hide valuables from visibility,

Hiking is the best way to meet friends. Try bringing a puppy!

Best place to hike , you can bring your dogs too!

The run down is a lot faster.

Full moon hike is a must do, but any night is greak, but I would bring a flashlight .

Most popular Mountain to climb in San Diego. Very busy weekend mornings.

It's too crowded for my taste (but is good and safe for solo hikers) Convenient for a quick work out, but doesn't provide the peaceful quiet nature feel... Go somewhere else for that!

Best to use the facilities before getting started, as there are no official ones on trail or on top.

Make sure you bring good shoes !!

Love hiking with an awesome view at the end :)

Look out for rattlers running up the back side of this mountain ..

Go to the top you can see all the way to Downtown Read more

I see fresh broken car glass every week so please be sure not to leave valuables in your car, or in plain view .

Get there early, it's East County and it's hot!

New trails are so much easier!

All the hotties climb early. Get here before 9am.

Remember to stay hydrated!

It's such an accomplishment to have made it on the top :)

Try Mesa road now that's a workout leave cowles trail to the tourists !

The front side is weak sauce. If you want a better workout go to the backside.

Freaking amazing view San Diego