Pyles Peak summit

Nice views. Less populated. Cowles get all the crowds. Less people proceed to pyles.. pyles is at 1300 ft and cowles is at 1500ft so few down and ups on the way to Pyles from Cowles

Gorgeous hike! Met some great people along the way ???? Had a little picnic at the top, hardly anyone there!

It's unfortunate you have to go up through the Cowels crowd to get to the trailhead, but it's a nice hike. It's not all that difficult (only real challenge was coming back down up near the top because it's fairly steep).

Get here early to avoid the crowds. Nice workout when you complete both Cowles and Pyles.

I have an affinity and love for Mission Trails. The trails are well cared for, and you couldn't ask for a more accessible location. It's impressive how this natural park can be situated smack in a central location to just about anywhere in San Diego, yet maintain its natural beauty and feeling of isolation. Cowle's mountain is on the southeast side of the park, and can be navigated to from about three or four different trail heads. The approach can be the common climb from the parking lot that pretty much everyone takes. This is a fairly direct climb with a few switch backs. It's the more direct and short route, which is why most people seem to take it. There are a couple of other approaches that are more from the East. These take a little bit longer and our greater distance. I find them quite enjoyable. Once you reach the peak, consider heading over to Pyle's Mountain. The trail to Pyle's peak heads west off of Cowles Mountain, and travels across the saddle to the peak.