McGinty Mountain is part of San Diego’s 11,000+ acre National Wildlife Refuge and is home to some of the rarest plant species in the county. Despite having a relatively low peak elevation (2183 ft.) in comparison to some of its neighboring peaks, like Lawson and Gaskill Peaks, the panoramic views from McGinty Mountain’s summit are no less spectacular.
McGinty Mountain offers a quick, adventurous hike that will stimulate your senses and reward you with outstanding scenery every step of the way. And with a variety of connecting trails that lead to scenic lookouts and cave sites, there is plenty to explore if you’d like to do more than bag a peak.
McGinty Mountain trail info.
- Distance: 5.0 miles (one way)
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Type: Out and back
- Elevation gain: 1400’
- Difficulty: 6/10 (elevation gain)
- Elevation: 2183’
- Rank on 100 peaks list: 86/100
- Usage: Hiking, Trail running, Mountain biking, Dogs allowed
- When to go: Spring, Fall, Winter
- Agency: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Map & directions for McGinty Mountain
- Trail map
- Directions to trailhead (via Google Maps)
More trails near McGinty Mountain
Related posts
Additional links & resources
- Trail report: 100Peaks.com
- Trail report: HikingSDCounty.com
- Adventure report: HiddenSanDiego.com
Photos of McGinty Mountain
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 13 – Mt. Whitey Summit from Crabtree Meadows Past Guitar Lake - January 10, 2017
- John Muir Trail Day 12 – Vidette Meadows Over Forester Pass to Crabtree Meadows. - January 9, 2017
- John Muir Trail Day 11 – Lake Marjorie over Pinchot Pass and Glen Pass to Vidette Meadows. - January 8, 2017