Mission Trails Regional Park
Trails Covered
North Fortuna and Fortuna Saddle Loop ~4.1 miles
South Fortuna and Fortuna Saddle Loop ~5.8 miles
Kwaay Paay Peak Trail ~2.3 miles
Pyles Peak ~5.5 miles
Cowles Mountain ~3 miles
Oak Canyon Trail ~3.3 miles
Grasslands Loop ~4.5 miles
North Fortuna and Fortuna Saddle Loop
"Originally named Fortuna Mountain, it later became known as North Fortuna and the neighboring peak as South Fortuna. This area was once part of a much larger military base (known as camp Elliott) extending north of SR52 and encompassing most of MCAS Miramar. From 1917 to 1960, it was used as a military training ground, mostly for live-fire artillery and tank exercises from the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. As a result, old ordinance is occasionally discovered”
~4.1 miles | ~960 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Recommendation: Perfect for family and pets
South Fortuna and Fortuna Saddle Loop
"As the lowest of the five main peaks in the park, South Fortuna is part of the same mountain shared by North Fortuna, separated by a 910-foot saddle. In Spanish, the word Fortuna means luck or fortune, perhaps alluding to the hopes of the early Spanish missionaries. The actual origin of the name is unknown, but the land encompassing both North and South Fortuna peaks was transferred to the city of San Diego in January 1964, with a deed restricting the usage to historic monument and public recreation purposes."
~5.8 miles | ~1,500 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Recommendation: Perfect for family and pets
Kwaay Paay Peak Trail
"Originally known as "No Name Mountain," this mountain was purchased in the earlier 1980's and was officially named Kwaay Paay (the Kumeyaay word for Chief) in 1994. In the late 1800's, granitic rock quarries operated in the Mission Gorge area, and the light gray plutonic igneous rock was used to construct roads, buildings, jetties, and dams. Blocks of this rock used in a San Diego Bay breakwater are still in place today. Evidence of these mining activities remains visible on the southwest face of Kwaay Paay."
~2.3 miles | ~900 feet elevation gain | Out and Back trail
Recommendation: This trail is short but steep
Pyles Peak Trail
"Pyles Peak is part of the Cowles Mountain area of Mission Trails Regional Park, purchased by the City and County of San Diego from Southwest Amusement Corporation on December 31, 1974. Additional Parcels included in the Cowles Mountain area were acquired between 1978 and 1983. In the 1970s, Kenneth Pyle, Chief Cartographer for the County of San Diego's planning department, noticed the peak was unmanned and thus, took the liberty of naming it after himself. Pyles Peak is surrounded by some of the most pristine chaparral in the park."
~5.5 miles | ~1,800 feet elevation gain | Out and Back trail
Recommendation: This trail is relaxing once you pass Cowles Mtn
Cowles Mountain Trail
"Cowles Mountain is the dominant feature of Mission Trails Regional Park and the highest point in the city of San Diego. It was made to honor George A Cowles, a pioneer leader of San Diego County in the 1870s. This mountain was part of the Rancho Mission San Diego land grant. Cowles Mountain was purchased jointly by the city and county of San Diego on December 31, 1974. Dedicated October 1984."
~3 miles | ~900 feet elevation gain | Out and Back trail
Recommendation: very rocky - wear hiking shoes
Oak Canyon Trail
Oak Canyon Trail is an easy (waterfall) hike in San Diego. It is a little over 3 miles and it is considered easy because this hike only has ~250 feet of elevation to it. Although I do not normally recommend hikes in Mission Trails, this one is perfect following some rain - the river provides tranquility and a perfect background noise to the hike.
~3.3 miles | ~250 feet elevation gain | Out and Back trail
Recommendation: I only recommend this hike following some rain
Grasslands Loop
Start your journey at a trailhead that has trash cans, restrooms, and picnic tables. This route guides you through predominantly open terrain, so packing sunscreen and hydration is crucial. Prepare for some inclines as you progress toward the creek. During the mid to late summer, the stream bed is usually dry, and you'll find wooden bridges in place to aid in crossing when water is flowing.
~4.5 miles | ~400 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Recommendation: best done in the fall or after some rain
