The answer is simple.
It is the highest peak in San Diego and is over 1,592 feet high.
Cowles Mountain's hiking trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in the city.
It provides a breath taking 360 degree view from the top and hikers from around the country come to hike to the top of Cowles Mountain.
Cowles is pronounced as coals but it is not a well documented fact and therefore many people pronounce it like its spelled.
The mountain was named after a popular local man by the name of George Cowles, who was one of the earliest ranchers in the region.
Cowles Mountain and its hiking trail is part of the Missions Trails Regional Park, which includes almost 5,800 acres of natural and urbanized area.
It is located at a central position in the city of San Diego and provides a place for people to relax and socialize while at the same time, indulging themselves in nature and adventure.
Cowles Mountain is a favored destination for everyone who visits Mission Trails Regional Park.
You will see masses of people hiking up and down the Cowles Mountain track.
The trail is heavily populated all year long, with people old and young all hiking Cowles Mountain.
The Main Trail, which is located at Golfcrest drive, is the one mostly used by the public, as it provides steady elevation over one and a half miles.
A small information center for visitors can be found at the trailhead, which also provides restroom facility.
Other trails include, Barker Way trailhead, the Big Rock Park trailhead and Mesa Road trailhead..
Barker Way trail, as opposed to the Main Golfcrest Trail, is rarely used by people, although it includes over 25 hairpin turns or switchbacks.
They are 1.
05 miles away from the inter-junction where it connects with the Main trail.
Big Rock Park trail is the least used as compared to the other trails but provides the biggest challenge to trail hikers and mountain climbers.
Mesa Road trail on the other hand is one of the best features of the park.
Some of the trail's sections have such heavy vegetation that you feel like you are walking through a tunnel-like passageway.
Another interesting fact about the Cowles Mountain is that in 1931, students from SDSU painted a white S on the side of the Mountain.
That is why it used to be called the S Mountain.
The paint used to fade off, but SDSU students used to repaint it, till the last time it was painted in 1980.
Ever since Missions Trails Regional Park has become a protected area, the S has completely faded away and disappeared, since no-one has permission to paint on the Mountain.
In order to reach the trails, take Interstate 8 and drive on to College Avenue.
From there you will head on to Navajo Road.
A right turn at Navajo Road and a further 2 miles will take you straight to Golfcrest Drive.
It is the highest peak in San Diego and is over 1,592 feet high.
Cowles Mountain's hiking trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in the city.
It provides a breath taking 360 degree view from the top and hikers from around the country come to hike to the top of Cowles Mountain.
Cowles is pronounced as coals but it is not a well documented fact and therefore many people pronounce it like its spelled.
The mountain was named after a popular local man by the name of George Cowles, who was one of the earliest ranchers in the region.
Cowles Mountain and its hiking trail is part of the Missions Trails Regional Park, which includes almost 5,800 acres of natural and urbanized area.
It is located at a central position in the city of San Diego and provides a place for people to relax and socialize while at the same time, indulging themselves in nature and adventure.
Cowles Mountain is a favored destination for everyone who visits Mission Trails Regional Park.
You will see masses of people hiking up and down the Cowles Mountain track.
The trail is heavily populated all year long, with people old and young all hiking Cowles Mountain.
The Main Trail, which is located at Golfcrest drive, is the one mostly used by the public, as it provides steady elevation over one and a half miles.
A small information center for visitors can be found at the trailhead, which also provides restroom facility.
Other trails include, Barker Way trailhead, the Big Rock Park trailhead and Mesa Road trailhead..
Barker Way trail, as opposed to the Main Golfcrest Trail, is rarely used by people, although it includes over 25 hairpin turns or switchbacks.
They are 1.
05 miles away from the inter-junction where it connects with the Main trail.
Big Rock Park trail is the least used as compared to the other trails but provides the biggest challenge to trail hikers and mountain climbers.
Mesa Road trail on the other hand is one of the best features of the park.
Some of the trail's sections have such heavy vegetation that you feel like you are walking through a tunnel-like passageway.
Another interesting fact about the Cowles Mountain is that in 1931, students from SDSU painted a white S on the side of the Mountain.
That is why it used to be called the S Mountain.
The paint used to fade off, but SDSU students used to repaint it, till the last time it was painted in 1980.
Ever since Missions Trails Regional Park has become a protected area, the S has completely faded away and disappeared, since no-one has permission to paint on the Mountain.
In order to reach the trails, take Interstate 8 and drive on to College Avenue.
From there you will head on to Navajo Road.
A right turn at Navajo Road and a further 2 miles will take you straight to Golfcrest Drive.
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