Really fun. Great views. Started going more often on my days off because the gyms were closed. Absolutely go early in the morning or at sunset otherwise theres many many people. Lots of crowds none in masks. Hike itself is rough if you rarely hike but many good places to stop and rest. I prefer going at sunset and night hiking. :^) Pre-covid going later there would be space in the parking lot. Potentially that will return in the future. :^)

Early morning hike with a co worker.

Great views.

One of the best sunset in San Diego!

Best place to get a cardiovascular workout, difficulty level 3. Little kids to elder people can be seen every time. Dog friendly. Tip* Nice area to meditate at the top of the mountain

It is very popular and you can enjoy a great view of San Diego.

Beautiful views await you at the summit after a great workout.

Is a beautiful place I like

When will it reopen?

Quick and pretty easy. Lots of dogs.

Great hike! It can be crowded on the weekends, but I definitely recommend you go onto Pyles Peak. Theres a lot less be people on that trail. There are beautiful views and very dog friendly!

It is pronounced cow-uls

The best times of my life were hiking up this everyday when I lived across the street.

Awesome hike here you get the 360 view of san diego. Recommended for new hiker

It was a great hiking. I enjoyed nice view from there.

Great hike! Try to go early. The heat makes it a challenge. Also, try the Barker entrance (back entry). Less crowded. Flat, but steep.

First time there, I had no problem going up, but found it difficult on the way down. Still I enjoyed it.

This is a great hike with great views at the summit. There are several approaches to the summit. From the Santee side which is a little more challenging and from a couple San Diego neighborhoods. At night you have great views of the city lights, in the day a great view of Lake Murray and the mountains to the south and east. It is also a great place to catch a sunrise or a sunset. Like always be in good enough physical condition, bring water, and wear proper clothing. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Be sure to have water for them as well.

An awesome experience and what an exercise. Breath fresh air and have a good time.

Just go!

Loved it ️

I love hiking up Cowles Mountain. Regardless of your fitness level making it to the top always feels like a major workout. The earlier in the morning you start, the easier your hike will seem. Bring water and enjoy!

A great hike for beginners; plenty of nice spots to take pictures and enjoy the views of San Diego. Would recommend a early or evening hike to get away from heat especially during the summers and as always bring plenty of H20!

Kohls or Coals is the correct pronunciation after the Cowles family it was named after. Time for a change though. Tony Gwynn mountain it is.

Easy hike. Great views. Do the back side of Cowles, its more of an incline and less crowded. Lots of space since its the fire roads. Watch out for dog poop, some people are inconsiderate and dont pick up after their dogs.

Drove from LA to visit friend. He took me to the trail up this mountain. 1.5 mile trek up to 1500 feet. AWSOME! See Coweles Mountain San Diego on my Youtube Channel for sumit video.

Amazing view at top, not much shade at all. Came head to head with a rattlesnake on way down. Id be careful with your dogs!

Nice hiking track, with great views over San Diego!

Great hike and beautiful view at the top. It’s not very long, it’s around 5k round trip.

Even in the rain!

One of the best hikes in San Diego. If you do it fast it can be a nice workout, or if you want to take your time or have children thats doable as well. Great views, cleanly, and overall a perfect hike. Also: Its Pet friendly as long as it not too hot outside, and there are bike trails if thats your thing.

This place is just amazing! I went here for a hike after waking up early because of jet lag.The hike takes about 1.5-2 hours round trip with relaxing at the top.You have a nice panorama view of San Diego. A perfect way to start your day

Fun easy hike

I live 1/2 a mile from it since 1990 use to climb it all the time . Now sort of a cult follow ing in the summer its too busy nobody goes there anymore now with 4 am and late night flash light hikes A type folks yelling On Your Left ! As they stumble past . Best to go a.m. in a group with lots of water for folks and dogs .

Easy hike. Nice viewd. Heavy foot traffic. You can bring the whole family and dogs when not too hot. Love this hike. It is a local go to.

A viee of multiple cities, landmarks and the ocean all in one place. The hike has been improved and doesnt have many inclines. Lots of places you can take a breather. A great hike all in all.

Great hike with great views!

Love this hike and such a accoplishment when you reach the top. Very well kept hiking trail for as long as its been there.

You cant go wrong with Cowles Mountain. Great spot for a workout if you need to get some elevation - a great reminder of how small we are this big rock hustling through space. I mean to take San Diego in from Cowles is a must at some point if you spend any amount of time in SD. Be careful during the midday in hotter months ... It can turn into hell real quick if you arent prepared with water and proper attire /sunscreen.

Its a great workout and once you reach the top theres an amazing view

My fave hiking place. It’s fast, convenient and a good workout

Great views of San Diego.

A great experience for beginners and intermediate hikers.. fun and u can really feel the contact with nature

Love this hike, from both ascents. The back is smoother, but steeper. The front is more adventurous and populated.

As a guy who doesnt hike much I was worried it would be too difficult. While a bit of a challenge it was a pretty great hike! Getting to the top felt like an accomplishment! Really enjoyed it.

A relatively short hike with a great view! A nice, easy drive from most places in San Diego.

This challenged my endurance going up and my balance coming down. Well worth it.

Its amazing! Good place for a quick, start your day exercise.

Little rockier than most but still a great hike and view

Great little hike. Go early and avoid the crowd.

Cowles Mountain is the go-to hike in the City of San Diego. Its easy to get to from the 125 freeway off Navajo. Parking at busy times can be a real nightmare. Dont be surprised if you have to park 1/4 mile away and walk to the trailhead. But youre out for a good hike anyway, so whats an extra 1000 feet to you? Because the trail is popular, there does tend to be a lot of people on-site. If you are a fast hiker, you will likely get stuck behind some slower folks, but there are plenty of opportunities to pass them. The main trail is NOT open to bicycles, but you can ride a mountain bike up the eastern entrance / fire road that is available off of Barker Way. Cowles is popular for all ages and most abilities. There are a few spots where the rocks are steep, but dont let it be intimidating. Most of the trail is basic and smooth, with the occasion step(s) up. Often you will see the more athletic types RUNNING up and down the mountain. The round trip is about 50-120 minutes depending on your abilities. The view from the top is fantastic, which is part of why Cowles Mountain is so popular. Give it a shot today (or tonight... as many hikers take their flashlights to enjoy a night hike.)

The most popular hike in SD. Roundtrip 1.5 miles. I take 90 minutes to do it. Easy hike

Great workout experience and a wonderful place to watch solar and lunar eclipse!!! Or just the stars and the universe.

One of my go to hikes! Moderately challenging & rewarding with a 360 view of beautiful San Diego!

You see all kinds of hikers, from expert to beginners. To grown adults down to newborns.

The difficulty added to the reward at the top of the mountain a beautiful Vista, sometimes climbing a mountain can give important insights to a critical situation in your life, block out all the noise and go for a hike in nature, embracing the beauty of this world, makes problems melt away or it brings clarity to circumstance whichever it is I suggest you go for a hike, you never know you may just find yourself on the way up

Great place for a quick hike and beautiful views of San Diego. I only wish people wouldnt play their music out loud.

This place is a great ankle workout. It is very rocky. Wear a good grip sole shoe.

Quick and easy hike with a great view.

Easy. Recommended for beginners but also experts who wants an easy run up and back down. It wasnt as busy before now really popular.

Love hiking this mountain.

Nice views bit be sure u visit when it isnt too hot or hazy as views are obstructed

Get there early to catch the sunrise.

Love the top view.Its very easy hike and no hurdles at all.I did this hike more than four times now and really love to enjoy the top view along with my oranges and apple. ;)

Fun hike. Beautiful views. Dogs welcome .Great workout

How could I not give 5 star. The view is worth the hike. You keep walking and wonder when you will actually be getting there and just when you think youre at the top, you got 20 min more to go.Anyways, I was bright enough to go hiking with a glass water bottle (who does that?) and on my way back down as I told myself.. after skidding just a bit on one corner that this was probably not a good idea (the glass), the next corner I took I ended up slipping on some dry dirt and smashed to the floor: it was like slow motion for me. Anyways, I am so thankful two young men following closely behind, or perhaps in front of me actually, helped clear the pathway of my glass, and most of all, sympathized with me, especially as I walked away looking like I was coming from a crime scene with blood all over my white (pretty sure) t-shirt, and hand.

Good hiking

Great place to hike!

Beautiful hike, great workout! Many runners and dogs.

Amazing 360 degree view of the area, you can see all the way to Mexico from the top.

Great hike and beautiful views.

I love hike, Cowless Mountain is one of my favorites

Just be ready for a long walk up hill and the hiking around rocks.

Would recommend for anyone coming to San Diego.Its a short uber ride and there is free city wifi so you can order one for the way home too.Its a 40 minute hike return trip for someone who is quite fit. Less active people may not make it to the top. Make sure you bring at least 1L of water, bring 2L if its hot.

Great little escape to view city and surrounding and get some fresh air

Great hike.You feel accomplished if you get to the top

Great views of downtown, La Jolla and East County. But, the trail is very, very crowded.

Nice little hike with a great view.

Great Place! Beautiful!

I love hiking there, great exercise

I thought this was an easy hike, is not that bad but is a little steep, is a nice workout.

Difficult hike but very popular, and the trails are well marked. Views are worth the hike!

Great hike thats challenging, but not terribly long.

Awesome hike...beautiful views.....go on a foggy morning and check out the view....

Visit early mornings and youll be at peace!

Most gratifying view in San Diego. View all of SD to the ocean on a clear day

Walk at your own risk

This was the best workout ever

Fun hike!

Spirit mountain

So nice

Beautiful view and hike!

Great hike

Awesome walk

Beautiful views of SD

Overrated

So accessible

Crowded - lots of dogs and owners don’t pick up after them.

Beautiful!

Cool