"Mom what's the point of this? I'm tired!"
It seems like just yesterday my nine year old son begrudgingly dragged his feet up many a San Diego mountain. Covid was in full swing, and Spring was in the air. All we could do back then was climb.
Fast forward to present day, and my son is beckoning me to follow him up mountains, researching new trails, and learning to live in the moment when we take it all in from the summit.
Recently we checked out two trails- Cowles Mountain and Crestridge Ecological Reserve. These trails were like night and day, but both are worth checking, or trekking out!
Cowles Mountain- Cost Free/Parking Free/ Restrooms Yes/Leashed Dogs Welcome
Cowles Mountain is named after George A. Cowles, a San Diego rancher businessman in the 1870s-80s. Cowles moved to San Diego from the East Coast and made a fortune as the "Raisin King of the US." Today Cowles Mountain is part of Mission Trails Regional Park, the largest municipally owned park in Southern California (7th largest in the USA) at nearly 7,000 acres.
A hike up Cowles Mountain brings you to the highest point in San Diego at 1,593ft, with views from Mexico to Orange County. It's a five mile hike, and takes about three hours to complete. Cowles Mountain is also one of the most popular hikes in San Diego, and it gets pretty crowded on weekends. We hiked Cowles on a sunny Saturday morning, and we certainly weren't alone, but I will say everyone was friendly, and we saw health enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. I work out everyday, but this hike was a work-out for my gluts and thighs. We brought our dog. There were a ton of dogs trekking uphill, all of them cordial.
We saw some wildlife on this trail, a flock of ravens at the peak, plenty of lizards and geckos. Wildflowers were in full bloom and the air was fragrant. All of Spring's boxes were checked at Cowles Mountain.
I like the convenience of hiking this trail located in San Carlos, a fun little part of San Diego with cafés aplenty. The views made the trek worthwhile, it was a work out and an outing packed in one. I would recommend this hike on less crowded days, but certainly during mild weather like we've been experiencing this Spring. I would also avoid hiking after rainfall. It gets pretty steep, and it's loaded with jagged rocks along the trail. A slip and fall here could be quite serious.
Remember when hiking to pack more water than you think you will need for everyone, and your pet. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and layers, and take your trash home with you.
Address
7001 Golfcrest Dr, San Diego, CA 92119
Crestridge Ecological Reserve- Cost Free/Parking Free Street Parking/Restrooms Yes/Leashed Dogs Welcome
I can't believe this place exists. It resembles Munchkin Land in The Wizard of Oz. It has been compared to The Hobbit, but I'm going to go with The Wizard of Oz, when the film goes from black and white to technicolor.
There is an abundance of lilac along these trails, and a majestic oak tree grove. There are nine great trails for hiking and biking, and 3,000 acres of trails that take you to creeks and valleys. There's plenty of shade, and the sweet smell of nature. It's located in El Cajon only twenty minutes from Downtown San Diego, but it's a world away.
Crestridge Ecological Reserve preserves the north-south linkage connecting the Lakeside Ecological Reserve to San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. Some of the vegetation you'll find there includes: Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern mixed chaparral, mixed coast live and Engelmann oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian. Two rare plant species can also be found at Crestridge- Lakeside ceanothus and San Diego thornmint. The Reserve is breeding and feeding habitat for golden eagles, owls, white-tailed kites, Cooper’s hawks and numerous other raptors. In addition, species such as bats, deer, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes are in the area. Insects include Hermes copper butterfly and Harbison's dun skipper.
This Trail Is The Best Kept Secret!
I'm not sure why, but on a sunny Spring afternoon we barely saw anyone on this trail. I'm not complaining, just saying...
Crestridge has a home built by architect and visual artist James Hubbell. Hubbell is known for incorporating nature into his designs. The home is open for viewing, and it has information about wildlife and vegetation you'll find at Crestridge.
For a simple mile-long hike, start east of the James Hubbell-straw-bale-built shelter and head northeast up a signed trail. At the top, head left or west at the Y-junction to an overlook of east El Cajon and the San Diego River watershed to the north. The trail loops back down to the southwest past a large-scale native grassland restoration project with hundreds of protective plant cones. The trail ends at the oak grove.
Before you go, check to ensure the trail is open. More detailed information about plants, wildlife, history, and geology of the area can be found at USFWS Crestridge Ecological Reserve.
Address
1175 Horsemill Road
El Cajon, CA 92021
Visit: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Crestridge-ER
Spring is the ideal time to hike in San Diego. The weather is perfect, and you can enjoy some beautiful vegetation. Enjoy!
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