Beyond the summit of Cowles Mountain, another 1.5 miles down the trail, there is a peak that few people know about, and even fewer make the effort to visit. Pyles Peak may be Cowles Mountain’s lesser half, but only in stature. The 3 mile out and back extension offers a number of impressive viewpoints, while leaving the crowds and chaos of Cowles behind.
Pyles Peak trail info.
- Distance: 6 miles (round trip)
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Type: Out and back
- Elevation gain: 2000’
- Difficulty: 7/10 (distance, elevation gain)
- Elevation: 1379’
- Rank on 100 peaks list: 94/100
- Usage: Hiking, Trail running, Dogs allowed
- When to go: Spring, Fall, Winter
- Agency: Mission Trails Regional Park
Map & directions for Pyles Peak
- Trail map
- Directions to trailhead (via Google Maps)
More trails near Pyles Peak
Related posts
Additional links & resources
- Article: San Diego Reader
- Trail report: ModernHiker.com
- Trail report: HikingSDCounty.com
Photos of Pyles Peak
Robb is a native San Diegan and avid hiker, backpacker, and picture taker. He created Getgo Outdoors with the goal of giving back to the outdoor community and inspiring others to get outdoors.
Latest posts by Robb Keele (see all)
- John Muir Trail Day 5 – Past Donahue Pass to Red’s Meadow. 19.5 mile lake tour hike. - March 7, 2017
- John Muir Trail Day 4 – Tuolomne Meadows over Donahue Pass. 16.4 mile shakedown hike. - March 2, 2017
- John Muir Trail Day 3 – Sunrise Lakes to Tuolomne Meadows. 10.1 mile hike for hunger. - December 28, 2016