Cowles Mountain by Moonlight

 

Before I have to return to snowy Montana, I’m trying to maximize my time in San Diego, cramming in walks and hikes. My younger brother took me up Cowles Mountain, a popular hike out here, starting close to sunset. He preferred a back way that was faster, but steeper than the main trail. He probably underestimated the challenge for me, as for him it’s “decent exercise for my off days from the gym,” and I just tried not to think about it too hard beforehand. There were long, steep stretches with not many flatter sections for relief. But we made it to the top and took in the spectacular view before the long descent, the path by now illuminated by the moon. I’m glad I did it, but happy it’s behind me, too. How anyone tackles that hike in the heat, I have no idea. Today, it’s Balboa Park where he’ll run while I happily get in some walking miles and take in the scenery.

Below are two of the views we enjoyed while I caught my breath on the way up the mountain. This might be the route we took, and the site provides a few stats plus a link to many more pictures. It looks like it was three miles round trip.

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  1. CarolJoy, Not So Easy To Kill Coolidge
    CarolJoy, Not So Easy To Kill
    @CarolJoy

    I’d forgotten what the typical California early spring weather can offer us.

    North of San Francisco, we are snow and slushed in.

    Should  you head east to Montana, any time soon, sawatdeeka, don’t go the route of Donner Pass!

    Photo was taken by Denver media photographer, shortly before the road bogged down.

    • #1
  2. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Are those lookimg west? The church where later this week I’ll be attending a memorial service for an aunt is about 3 miles (6 minutes) from the trailhead, according to Google maps. I’ve been in the area before, but never went looking for a view like that. 

    • #2
  3. sawatdeeka Member
    sawatdeeka
    @sawatdeeka

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Are those lookimg west? The church where later this week I’ll be attending a memorial service for an aunt is about 3 miles (6 minutes) from the trailhead, according to Google maps. I’ve been in the area before, but never went looking for a view like that.

    Yes, I think it does look west, because at one point we could see the Coronado Bay Bridge and Pt. Loma. 

    • #3
  4. sawatdeeka Member
    sawatdeeka
    @sawatdeeka

    CarolJoy, Not So Easy To Kill (View Comment):

    I’d forgotten what the typical California early spring weather can offer us.

    North of San Francisco, we are snow and slushed in.

    Should you head east to Montana, any time soon, sawatdeeka, don’t go the route of Donner Pass!

    Photo was taken by Denver media photographer, shortly before the road bogged down.

    Thanks for the warning.  :-)   California is huge. 

    • #4
  5. Jeff Petraska Member
    Jeff Petraska
    @JeffPetraska

    If you ever get the chance to climb/hike Diamond Head on Oahu, I recommend it.  The view of the ocean and the beaches of Honolulu is gorgeous from up there.

    • #5
  6. sawatdeeka Member
    sawatdeeka
    @sawatdeeka

    Jeff Petraska (View Comment):

    If you ever get the chance to climb/hike Diamond Head on Oahu, I recommend it. The view of the ocean and the beaches of Honolulu is gorgeous from up there.

    Thank you! I would love to visit Hawaii someday. 

    • #6
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