First Ascent to Cowles Mountain Summit

It took me some time to find the trailhead. I was on my own and heard so much Cowles Mountain. I parked about half a mile off the Father Junipero Trail and Navajo Road corner trailhead.  It was a weekday and it looked like there was procession of sorts  of hikers of all ages on the way to the summit.  There was this man with a baby carrier backpack and a baby passenger, of course. There was this older gentleman with a younger woman with him who seemed to be encouraging him that he could do it. Several people had dogs: fat ugly pugs who moistened the trails with their constant drooling; small dogs, and friendly looking dogs who seemed to smile and wag their tails to every hiker who greeted them instead of their humans.

After every customary touch to the expensive-looking summit landmark, people would take turns taking individual or group photos. A kind young hiker took the photo with the landmark that briefly told everyone about Cowles Mountain: 

Cowles Mountain
Elevation 1,591 Above Sea Level
Mission Trail Regional Park

Cowles Mountain is the dominant feature of the Mission Trails Regional Park and the highest point in the City of San Diego. It was named to honor George A. Cowles, a pioneer leader of the San Diego County in the 1870's. This mountain is part of the Rancho San Diego Mission land grant.

Cowles Mountain was purchased jointly by the City and County of San Diego on December 31, 1974.

Dedicated October 1984

www.MTRP.org

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