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
- Cowles Mountain Trail Hike: Rewarding Views are Worth the Challenge
- Kwaay Paay Peak Hike: A Short, but Challenging Hike Through a Manzanita Forest to One of San Diego’s Highest Peaks
- Pyles Peak in Mission Trails – a Little Known Hidden Gem
- South Fortuna Trail Hike to North & South Fortuna Peaks
- Take on the Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge
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.
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