5 Peaks of Mission Trails

I used to live in Tierrasanta and Mission Trails was my go-to place to hike. When the twins were little, I would do a loop with them in the jogging stroller. There are five summit-able peaks in Mission Trails: Cowles, Pyles, North Fortuna, South Fortuna, and Kwaay Paay. I summited these peaks again as part of the park’s 5 Peak Challenge. The first set of summits was the Fortunas. These will give you a nice workout, especially up the “stairs” to South Fortuna. I bagged Kwaay Paay after work. This peak is a great little summit, as it gets a lot less traffic than the other four. Cowles Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in town. So, I opted to approach it from the backside to avoid some of the crowds. Once at the summit, Pyles is a short hike from it, and the crowds drop away as you head toward it.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer). I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.

Iron Mountain

When I moved to Rancho Penasquitos, my go-to hikes shifted from Mission Trails to the peaks like Black Mountain, Iron Mountain, and Mount Woodson.

Iron Mountain looms over Poway at the end of Poway Road. This hike has become more popular over the years. Now, as I drive by the trailhead, the parking lot is often full. The hike is a straightforward trail to the summit. This hike does have the honor of the first time I hiked with Scott Turner, the co-author of Afoot and Afield in San Diego.

If you want to avoid some of the crowds, there is an alternate path for part of the summit via the Ellie Lane Trail.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Bear Hill

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Zumwalt Meadow

After exploring Boyden Cavern, and a nice picnic lunch near one of the waterfalls, Ben and I set off for a short hike through Zumwalt meadow. Anita and Shira decided to relax a bit before driving to the other end of the trail to pick us up.

The trail wandered through the meadow, crossing the Kings River a few times. The views were breathtaking. It was clear to understand what John Muir had seen from here over a century ago. Soon the trail came to an end and we could see the minivan parked under the trees.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Tokopah Falls

Congress Trail

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Fay Canyon

Looking for a milder hike in the Sedona region since my daughter had her arm in the cast, and Fay Canyon seemed like a great option. It is very similar to the Boynton Canyon hike, but shorter. We found a parking spot along Boynton Pass Road. Crossing the road, we entered the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness and began our hike.

The trail passes into the canyon, and the cottonwood trees provide some shade, but it was a pleasant autumn day so it was not needed. After about 0.6 miles, we found the spur trail that would take us up to the arch and ruins. From the canyon floor it is very hard to see it. The trail was a bit steep, but armed with trekking poles we made the climb with no issues.

After exploring the area, we made our careful descent back to the main trail. We headed further into the canyon for a bit before retracing our route to the car.

Woodson Mountain (via Lake Poway Trail)

Commonly known as the Potato Chip, is another very popular hike in San Diego. The number of cars along Highway 67 always amazes me. The improper gear people are wearing even more so. That said, it does afford some nice views of north county.

I did this summit back on October 16, 2011, from the Lake Poway side. This route is longer than the route starting on the 67, but not as steep. Unless you are a Poway resident, a small fee is required to park at the lake. Also, if you are wanting to summit before sunrise, this trailhead will not be officially open.

The trail is fairly straight-forward, fully exposed, so bring your water, hat and apply sunscreen.

Once at the top you can enjoy the Disneyland-like line to scramble over and stand atop the Potato Chip. I did this hike before the rise of social media, so there were only about 3 other hikers there when I summited.

The actual summit is a bit past the Potato Chip near the towers.

I would recommend tackling this peak during the week to avoid the crowds.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Sentinel Dome

While the twins took a nap with their mom in the car, I got out and made the short hike to the top of Sentinel Dome. The dead tree that was made famous in a photograph by Ansel Adams, had finally fallen, the views from the summit were breathtaking.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!