Kwaay Paay Peak

Kwaay Paay Peak Trail

Distance: 2.5 miles | Hiking time: 1.5 hours | Difficulty: 5/10

Kwaay Paay Peak Trail in Mission Trails Regional Park is a short, out and back hike that will leave you breathless, both on the hike up and from the view once you reach the top. Not for the faint of heart, this trail is steep, rough and tough. Wear a rugged pair of hiking shoes and prepare yourself for a quick, but memorable hike.

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El Cajon Mountain

Hiking El Cajon Mountain Trail

Distance: 11 miles | Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: 8/10

Frequently described as being, “the toughest hiking trail in San Diego,” El Cajon Mountain hiking trail is well-known for its relentless elevation changes and remarkable 360 degree views from the summit. Also known as “El Capitan” or simply “El Cap,” El Cajon Mountain is a beast of a hike that challenges your will and tempts your spirit.

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Gaskill Peak

Hike to Gaskill Peak

Distance: 7.1 miles | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: 7/10

With a peak elevation of 3836 feet, Gaskill Peak stands nearly 200 feet taller than its little sister 1.5 miles to the south, Lawson Peak. Gaskill Peak can be hiked by itself or included as an add-on adventure when hiking to Lawson Peak.

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Cowles Mountain South Trail

Cowles Mountain Southern Trail

Distance: 3 miles | Hiking time: 2 hours | Difficulty: 6/10

If you’re looking for a quick, challenging hike in San Diego that is easy to find and offers unobscured views of San Diego for as far as the eye can see, look no further than Cowles Mountain. But be ready because lots of other people are looking for the same thing.

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Related posts:
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Read more

Black Mountain

Black Mountain Miner's Ridge Loop Trail

Distance: 4.25 miles | Hiking time: 2 hours | Difficulty: 5/10

Black Mountain, located in the heart of Black Mountain Open Space Park, is home to one of the most inspiring observation points in Central San Diego. The Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail takes hikers along a winding path that gradually ascends to the 1554 foot summit of Black Mountain Peak. If it’s a quick, easy hike with big payoffs that you’re looking for, then you can’t do much better than Black Mountain.

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McGinty Mountain Trail – Hiking for Peaks and Valleys Galore!

Hike to McGinty Mountain Summit

McGinty Mountain is a fun, challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views that doesn’t require setting aside an entire day. The steep trail takes you quickly up the mountain’s face and through some of the most diverse and rare plant life in San Diego.

The trail offers a never-ending spree of photo ops and scenic outlooks that continue to change and evolve as you work your way up the mountain towards the summit. On a clear day the views from the summit are mesmerizing and offer up vast scenic rolling hills, mountain peaks, and deep valleys.

This is a great hike for just about anyone with an adventurous spirit, a good pair of hiking shoes, and a couple of hours to spare.

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