Big Rock Trailhead, Santee CA

I go every week. A great work out and a trail that makes you feel like a hike in the mountains.

I hiked this to the top 4miles. 8 miles total. Its challenging but overall, a gratifying experience, The view is just wonderful. I dare you! You won't regret. Make sure to bring plenty of water and a snack to re energize you. To all those litter bugs, Shame on you this is not a dump site.

I hate to publicize the less traveled path up the highest point in San Diego city. Fun to walk past the pickle ballers.

We started from children's park where we parked our car. It's about a 5 minute walk from there. This hike has a climb with switchbacks similar to The Cowles Mountain with a greener nature and better view in my opinion. It even has a small water stream with a tiny bridge. As you approach the peak it splits where you can take an easier path back to the park.

So, funny story... Visiting from Phoenix and had looked up the temp in San Diego, said 78 degrees, cool, gonna try the longest trail up to the summit and then to the other... My buddy laughed at me afterwards, because it was 91 degrees in Santee!

So, I did make it to Cowles, stopping every 20 feet, bending over and resting, repeat and rinse! Fortunately I had 3 liters of water, and I was motivated. This was my one shot on this trip.

Take lots of water! Take you time if it is hot and you are not in tip top shape (I am about 30lbs overweight at this writing). Know your limitations, and be smart.

If your in shape, then this should be a fun moderate hike for you, as it would of been for me a year ago.

This trailhead was easy to find and offered great street parking in the early morning. Adds slightly less than 2 miles to a typical trek up Cowles and Pyles for a total of 8.5 miles round trip. Good way to increase the difficulty on this popular hiking destination as well as providing a less crowded start and finish to the hike.

Easy parking because there aren't very many people doing this more difficult trail. Everyone goes the the boring lame switchback side of Cowles. Great trail with a few options of direction along the way. My quads are still sore a couple days later.
Picture is from the top looking back down at where my car is parked.

Cowles Mountain has Four recognized entry points. This TH is my favorite, as it is longer, more elevation gain and the nearby park has a restroom not pit toilets.

This was a fantastic hike! My wife and I are novice hikers, this was a bit of a challenge. It was tons of fun though. It took us about 2: 15 total. The weather was great! The trail is fairly difficult but great! The peak has rewarding views! Definitely worth the time!

Cowles Mountain does have great views and it is a great workout. However, the trail has degraded due to the heavy use. Furthermore, most of the hikers don't wear masks and it is hard to avoid them.

Popular mountain area hikes. Option of taking easy or difficult routes. Just about 360 view of surrounding San Diego area

*There is a chance the back side up Mesa or Big Rock will not have access to the summit until 8/16/2020. The city is doing work the that fire road. *

Other than that, it's always worth the hike up there to the top.