Mission Trails 5 Peaks

The 15-ish mile route we took made it a great workout, but it didn’t crush us. We left the apartment at 6 am and were back home with plenty of time to prep cook and eat a big dinner before 5 pm.

Although I completed the hike in 1 day(and I highly recommend it)many people completed each hike individually over weeks. Splitting up the peaks would make for another enjoyable challenge and an even higher total length at 23.02 miles.

If you take a look at the maps I've included in the pictures you’ll notice 2 things. First, I traced out the route we took and we were able to knock out multiple peaks at a time which made for less mileage. Second, not all of the peaks connect. We actually took a car between the 3 parking spots I marked out in the pictures.

Splitting the hike up like this also allows for some creativity. My friend Adam and I took on the 1st and 2nd routes together, but we were able to meet up with our girlfriends for the 3rd route up Kwaay. They got to sleep in a little extra and we all got a hike that fit what we were looking for.

Here are links to the 3 addresses for parking on Google Maps:

1. Clairemont Mesa Trailhead (For North and South Fortuna)
2. Big Rock Trailhead (For Cowles and Pyles)
3. Mission Trails Parking Lot(Kwaay)

My only additional parking note is that the actual trailhead for Kwaay Paay Peak is a bit down the road from the parking lot I included. It isn't far, but I don't want you to think I included the wrong address.

Getting Your Certificate of Accomplishment:

If you’re one for souvenirs, make sure to take your picture at each of the 5 summits. You can use those photos to receive a certificate of accomplishment and a logo pin.

We forgot to collect our souvenirs, but we did take some grade-A photos at each marker.

For more general information on Mission Trails Regional Park click here.