Cowles Mountain

We'll climb to the summit of Cowles Mountain from a secondary trailhead on Barker Way. (To borrow a saying from Yogi Berra, the main trailhead has become so crowded that nobody uses it any more.)

The distance up is only about 1.5 miles, but there is about 825 feet of elevation gain. The ascent should take a little more than one hour. (I walk slowly uphill.) We will return via the service road, which is about 1.6 miles long.

The summit of Cowles Mountain is the highest point in the City of San Diego, and the views are well worth the climb. We'll stop for a while to enjoy the views.

Leashed dogs are allowed, but only the hardiest pooches should attempt this climb. Take water for your dog.

Meet at 9:00 AM at the entrance to the service road on Barker Way near Boulder Lake Ave. (N 32 48.602 W 117 1.258). Park on Barker Way, Boulder Lake Ave., or a nearby side street. There is a portable toilet on the service road near the entrance. We will step off at 9:15 AM.

Wear good hiking shoes and layered clothing, take water and use some kind of sun protection. Take a camera if you wish. No lunch stop is planned, but you might want to take a snack to eat at the summit.

CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky, 619-866-8512 pje@efgh.com.

COVID: As usual, take a face mask and wear it as required.

A trail map has been posted at http://www.efghmaps.com/parks/

P.S. "Cowles" is pronounced like "coals", not like "cowls".