Cowles is a fun hike. There's a small parking lot right outside the trail. I got lucky and happened to get there just as another car was leaving, but there's plenty of street parking around if there's nothing in the lot. Free parking = nice perk! There's a small coffeeshop across the street that I'm sure gets lots of business... More

I love Cowles Mountain. I have been going ever since I was little with my Grandpa. Then he would carry me. Now that I'm older I don't know how he did it but I admire that about him. It is a great workout. You are on a trial climbing the mountain. It is hard if you haven't done it before.... More

Thanks to Trip Advisor we found this gem, so we included it as part of our itinerary for our next trip to San Diego. We arrived at the trail in the mid-morning. The hours, by the way, are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's day. We spend several hours there. The staff at the... More

I have been hiking or running here at least four times a week for the last year. Very quite and peacful here especially if you are able to go mid week. Based on weather ever changing scenery. Many different hiking or running trails to choose from. Watch the heat in the summer and bring water.

You can't go wrong here. Something for everyone. I hike and ride a bike here frequently. Many easy trails, some rock climbing. It's a huge place and you can hike for days and days, and enjoy a varirty of views.

This place is gigantic--one of the biggest "urban parks" in the country, I've been told. You can lose your self in many of the hiking trails (there's one for all ages and abilities).

Easy to get to (only 8 miles NE of downtown San Diego), interesting topography and views. A variety of trails (for hiking and biking) traversing rugged hills and valleys for every fitness level. The trail around Lake Murray is a fab place to run! Only downside: not open on holidays :-(.

This huge park provides excellent biking and hiking trails that are well kept up. There is a variety of wildlife, though hard to spot. I saw a mountain lion cross the trail in front of me one of the times I was hiking which made my heart pound a little. A woman coming from the other direction was equally scared... More

This gem of a park, located not too far from downtown, invites you to explore the closest mountains in a variety of ways. There are hiking trails; you can climb the mountains; or you can meander down the paved road to a very small, very, very old dam. The visitor center offers an array information and special things to purchase.