Sunset Hike at Cowles Mountain

🌅 Sunset Hike at Cowles Mountain via Barker Way

Mission Trails Regional Park

• Date: Sunday, August 2nd, 2026
  
• Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Note: Sunset is expected around 7:50 PM)
  
• Meeting Point & Parking: Barker Way, San Diego, CA 92119 We will meet at the metal gate trail entrance on Barker Way.
  

🥾 Hike Details

• Distance: 2.9 miles (Round trip)
  
• Difficulty: Moderate (Note: This is a steady, continuous uphill climb to the summit. It is a good cardio workout, but entirely doable if you take your time!)
  
• Elevation Gain: 911 feet
  
• Facilities: Port-a-potty available at the trailhead
  
• Fees/Permits: None
  
• Rules: Leashed dogs allowed. Bikes allowed on the service road only.
  

🎒 What to bring: Plenty of water, electrolytes or juice, and sturdy shoes. ⚠️ Mandatory: A flashlight or headlamp is strictly required for this event, as we will be hiking down after dusk.

📍 Directions

From Highway 125, take the Navajo Road exit. Head west on Navajo Road for approximately 0.8 miles, then turn right onto Boulder Lake Ave. Follow Boulder Lake Ave for 0.5 miles and turn right onto Barker Way. The trailhead will be on the left side of the road. Please park along the street and be respectful of the local residents.

LATE POLICY: To respect everyone’s time, we start hiking exactly at the scheduled time. If you miss the start, feel free to hike and find us on the trail.