San Diego Urbanism

Meet at SDSU Transit Center
Bus departs at 10:08 AM sharp (Route 115)
Join RideSD for our next Trains & Trails adventure — a transit-powered hike up Cowles Mountain, the highest point in the City of San Diego. We’ll take the 115 bus from SDSU to the trailhead together and show (once again) that great views don’t require a parking lot.

We will meet at the Transit Plaza just north of Eureka!

Cowles is a moderate / intermediate hike. The main trail is about 3 miles round-trip with steady elevation gain and some rocky sections. Expect a sustained uphill climb and a solid workout — this is not a flat stroll. We’ll hike at a social pace with regrouping stops, but participants should feel comfortable hiking uphill for extended stretches.

** Plan**

• Meet: SDSU Transit Center
• Transit: Ride Route 115 to the trailhead
• Hike: Summit Cowles Mountain and return the same way
• Views: Celebrate with panoramic city-to-coast vistas

** What to Bring (Important!)**

• Plenty of water (at least 1–2 liters recommended)
• Snacks / trail food — there are no services on the trail
• Proper hiking or trail shoes (closed-toe with good grip — no sandals)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• PRONTO card or mobile ticket

Cowles can get warm and exposed, so come prepared.
No parking stress. No circling for trailhead spots. Just buses, boots, and community.
Coming from Downtown or along the trolley line? We’ll announce a suggested Green Line itinerary so participants can ride together to SDSU before transferring to the 115. Transit is better when you take it together.
See you on the 115.