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Cowles Mountainby SingleSpeed, Saturday, October 27, 2007 4:07 PM
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 | Cowles Mountain
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Description for Cowles Mountain
Cowles Mountain in San Diego (pronounced "kohls") got its name from George A. Cowles, one of San Diego's early prominent ranching pioneers. Cowles Mountain at 1,592 feet it is the highest point in San Diego. Cowles Mountain is found in Mission Trails Regional Park in central San Diego. Mountain biking Cowles Mountain is so much fun especially for an “in San Diego” ride. The ride up the trail is very technical. There are about 100 or so water bars you have to climb up. They are easier than they look. First time I rode it I saw those water bars and said “this is going to suck” but after I cleared a few I just kept going. I couldn’t clear the whole thing but I am working on it. Please don’t go around the water bars it erodes the trail in ways it shouldn’t erode. The fire road is so brutal, 22% grade at points, you will be in your granny huffing and puffing. The trail from Cowles Mountain over to Pyles Peak is fun because you leave the crowds, not as many people go over there. The trail to Pyles Peak is also technically challenging. The ride down the road is fast, please watch out for hikers. Down the trail is technical and fun. A few spots are tough to clear so hang on tight. If you are looking for a great mountain bike trail in San Diego that will give you a great workout Cowles Mountain is your ride. If you don’t like to climb you may not want to attempt Cowles Mountain.
Directions to Cowles Mountain Trailhead
There are at least 3 spots you can start your ride up Cowles Mountain.
Big Rock Park in Santee is off Mesa Rd right by the 52 and 125.
At the end of Lake Murray Blvd. Take Navajo to Lake Murray Blvd. Go north on Lake Murray Blvd to the end.
At the fire road off Barker Road. Take Navajo to Boulder Lake Ave and go north to the trail head.
Comments/Reviews for Cowles Mountain
1. steep and rut filled...
by sd_sparky, Saturday, April 25, 2009 9:33 AM
| Overall Review: | 2 of 5 |
| Technical Difficulty: | 3 of 5 |
| Aerobic Difficulty: | 5 of 5 |
There are a few OK single track sections, but for the most part the riding is on very steep fire roads. Depending on the season, the roads may be well graded or rocky and rut filled. There are typically lots of hikers.
I would skip Cowles Mtn and go across Mission Gorge Rd to the other side of Mission Trails Regional Park. From there, you can ride lots of great trails and have access to Spring Canyon to the north and Sycamore Canyon to the northeast.
Images of Cowles Mountain
Cowles Mountain Trail Maps
Cowles Mountain
3
out of 5
based on 2 ratings.
1 user reviews.