Distance: 3 miles | Hiking time: 2.5 hours | Difficulty: 6/10
The Viejas Mountain Trail hike takes you straight up the western face of the mountain to the summit. Viejas Mountain is a thigh busting, lung burning hike that’s the perfect length for a quick workout, and the rewards at the top are worth every ounce of energy it takes to get there.
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Viejas Mountain Trail: A Quick Hike to an Ancient Kumeyaay Ceremonial Site with 360 Degree Views
Distance: 6.5 miles | Hiking time: 4 hours | Difficulty: 7/10
North Fortuna Peak is the third highest peak in Mission Trails Regional Park, behind Pyles Peak and Cowles Mountain. This is a fun hike and an easy extension when hiking to South Fortuna Peak via the same route. There’s more than one way to reach the summit of North Fortuna Peak, but South Fortuna Trail is by far my favorite.
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
Distance: 6 miles | Hiking time: 3 hours | Difficulty: 7/10
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.
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
Distance: 5.0 miles | Hiking time: 3 hours | Difficulty: 6/10
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.
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McGinty Mountain Trail – Hiking for Peaks and Valleys Galore!
Distance: 4.5 miles | Hiking time: 3 hours | Difficulty: 7/10
The hike along the fire road leading to Lawson Peak is really just the price of admission. The real adventure begins when you reach the base of the peak and begin your scramble for the summit. If it’s a challenge you’re looking for, it’s a challenge you’ll find at Lawson Peak
Related posts:
Gaskill Peak: Off-trail Adventures in San Diego’s Backcountry
Lawson Peak Trail: Hiking, Scrambling and Climbing to the Summit
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.
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
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.
Related posts:
El Cajon Mountain Trail: Taking on San Diego’s “Toughest” Hike
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.
Related posts:
Gaskill Peak: Off-trail Adventures in San Diego’s Backcountry
Lawson Peak Trail: Hiking, Scrambling and Climbing to the Summit
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.
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
