Details
Distance
3.02 miles
Elevation Gain
827 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
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Cowles Mountain Service Road Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near La Mesa, California.
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Running
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Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Crystal Cave
Starting at 8100 Mesa road, you will see parking along the side of the road in a few places, take advantage where you find it.
Pass over the trail gate that marks the start of the journey. This will be a quick trip, as the total distance is less than a mile out and back. Head a quarter mile or so before you come across a waterfall and small pond on your right hand side. Depending on the time ...
Pyles Peak
Most people who live in San Diego have heard of, if not hiked, Cowles Mountain.
At 1591 ft., Cowles is the highest peak in the city of San Diego. It's a hugely popular destination for day hikers and trail runners looking to get in a little trail time and take in the 360 degree views the summit has to offer. What most people don't know, however, is that there is more to see and more trail ahead...
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road
Start by plugging 8125 Arlette St, Santee, CA into your GPS. This takes you to Big Rock Park, a convenient parking spot for the Cowles Hike. From here you want to walk through the park, and around the right side of the tennis court. This will take you to the fenced entrance to the hike. Head south for about a half mile( residential houses will be on your left for this small stretch) then link u...
Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail
Starting somewhat near sea-level, Cowles Mountain via the Big Rock Trail climbs about 1000 ft in elevation. This trail is about 5 miles total, out and back. Arrive at Big Rock park which has good parking. At the park you will walk to the left of the tennis courts past the limits (the fence) of the park and turn right where you will see a wooden figure with papers on it. The trail head sign ...
Catch a Sunset at Lake Murray
Lake Murray Reservoir provides drinking water to parts of San Diego, and thus is a no swimming lake. This is one of the reasons it is such a great place to photograph! If you are shooting the sunset, use this app to check the time the sun sets, and get to the lake at least 30 minutes prior to set up your scene. I like to spend ten minutes or so searching for a great vantage point. The beauty of...
Kwaay Paay Trail
Park your car in the small gravel parking lot at the southwest corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Drive (this is especially important if you plan to take the sunset hike, so you'll be outside the locked park gate when you descend). There will be other hikers parked there, but I've never had any problem finding a spot. Walk a short distance westward along the road (Junipero Ser...
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