5-Peak Challenge Hike 4: Cowles Mountain & Pyles Peak
Saturday, June 1, 2019
National Trails DayWe've had great turnouts for the first three of our 5-Peak Challenge hikes, so let's wrap this up with a double play of Cowles Mountain and Pyles Peak. June 1 is also National Trails Day! For those who have never done the Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge, here's your opportunity to do two peaks in one hike. It's always a fun time of fellowship while enjoying the beauty of God's creation in the heart of the San Diego City limits!
The reason for doing both peaks together is that Pyles Peak is accessible only by doing Cowles Mountain first. The busy and crowded trail to Cowles is replaced by a quiet, serene trek to Pyles. We will do this hike via the less crowded Barker Trail. The out-and-back hike is 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,663 feet.
At 1,591 feet, Cowles Mountain is the the highest point in the City of San Diego and the tallest of the 5 peaks in Mission Trails Regional Park. Pyles Peak is right behind it at 1,379 feet. Once Cowles is reached, we will go down its north side, then climb up to Pyles. The return trip means a second scaling of Cowles before we head back to the trailhead and complete our journey.
I'm rating this hike as difficult due to the steepness and length of these three climbs. Please self-evaluate your fitness and hiking levels before attempting this hike.
The hike will start at 8 a.m. sharp so we can cover as much ground before it warms up. For this hike, we will meet at the Barker Way Trailhead. It will not be as busy as the main trail.
More information and photos on the Cowles Mountain hike via the Barker Trail is here.
Info on the Pyles Peak portion of the hike can be found here.
Don't forget to take a selfie with the sign/monument at both peaks to record your accomplishment. More info on the Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge can be found here.
I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. - Leviticus 26:12 NKJV
Difficulty: Difficult
Meet at Trailhead at 7:45 a.m.
Hike starts at 8 a.m.
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,663 ft
Peak Elevation: Cowles Mountain, 1,591 feet; Pyles Peak 1,379 feet
Hiking Time: 3 hours approximately
Dogs on leash permitted
Weather: Hike will be canceled if it rains.
Barker Way Trailhead
6949 Barker Way
San Diego, CA 92119
No carpool for this hike.
From Interstate 8 - Take I-8 to exit 10, College Ave. Make a left and head north on College Ave. Make a right onto Navajo Rd. Proceed east on Navajo Rd., past Jackson and Golfcrest Drives (and the main trail) to Cowles Mountain Blvd. Make a left at the signal. At the 4-way stop, make a left onto Boulder Lake Ave. Parking is on the street, you may have to drive around to find a spot.
If you have questions, please contact Vinnie at worldbefreeman@yahoo.com
