A hike I absolutely would suggest is the Cowles Mountain to Pyle’s Peak trail. By adding the Pyle’s Peak link to the hike you will be increasing the difficulty of the hike but you will also be adding a sense of peacefulness and beauty as well.
Hiking much like life, if it’s easy it more than likely lacks reward!
I would say that 95% of those who hike to the summit to Cowles, end the journey there, descent aside. In fact on my way over to Pyle’s only two other hikers shared the trail. I attribute that to the fact that the added piece of the Pyle’s Peak is relatively unknown as well as an additional challenge.
This is my second attempt at this hike, heat and lack of water shortened the journey from Cowles Mountain to Pyle’s Peak back in March 2012, when the temp was in the 90’s. One thing I have learned in the past five months of my hiking adventures, bring enough water and even more! So getting to the destination of Pyle’s Peak via Cowles Mountain has been in the back of my mind as a peak to conquer!
Cowles Mountain Trail
The “main” or most popular trail-head to Cowles can be reached at Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road. visitor’s center is located there with information, Restrooms and water. However, to avoid 90% of the crowd I always choose the east trail-head off of Barker Way. This trail has twenty-five switchbacks over 1.05 miles to its intersection with the main trail that continues to the summit of Cowles, which is at 1592 feet and makes it the highest point in the City of San Diego.
The trail up Cowles is at times rocky but for the most part is compacted earth that is well traveled and marked. After the 1.5 mile climb to Cowles Mountain summit, a short walk down the service road to the Pyles Peak trail-head begins just a hundred feet short of the summit marker. sign on the left turns you down some steps which leads to the Pyle’s Peak trail-head sign. The trail beginning actually ascends for about 1/4 of a mile before beginning an elongated up and down hike. This portion of the
Cowles/Pyle’s hike for me signified two distinct hikes within a hike. Whereas the Cowles Mountain ascent called upon my strength and stamina, the Pyle’s peak portion of the hike though challenging in spots, offered me a sense of calm and serenity.
Isn’t that how life is as well? At times we are challenged by the day to day, being pushed to our limits, but then we are given the opportunity to stop, recharge and slow down the pace.
As you come across a sign that says “Viewpoint” you have about a 1/4 mile to go to the summit of Pyle’s Peak. The trail to Pyle’s branches off to the right and begin’s a pretty steep incline to the summit. Once you come the crest of the “hill”, you have made it, you have reached Pyle’s Peak which is land marked by a very good size boulder!
Summit Of Pyle’s Peak!
This hike will offer you a lot of variance, other’s who share your desire to hike, and a physical fitness challenge along with a strong sense of accomplishment and mental health well being.
Distance: 6 miles
Hike Date and Time: Tuesday May 29, 2012. Started at 10:40AM returned at 1:40PM 3 hours
Hike-ability: Cowles Mountain was my very first hike and although I was in good shape, I was not in hiking shape compared to now. Then I would rate it a moderate hike, now I would rate it a easy moderate hike. Very doable either way.
Food and Water: This hike always seems hot to me whenever I go. Temperature was around 80 degrees, bring lot’s of water. I had 50 Ounces of water and bottle of gatorade. I also brought an orange and lunch.