Getting "High" with your Dog in San Diego

Cowles Mountain is the place with the highest elevation in all of San Diego. Although correctly pronounced like Kohl's (you know--one of the mall retail chains that has NOT gone out of business), most people pronounce it Cow--ls.. I even met one young lady who, along with her friends, pronounced it as "Cow-less". And it is really true--you are never going to see any cows on Cowles mountain. You might see rabbits, an occasional snake (maybe more than occasional in the spring), lizards, birds, and other wildlife. And occasionally you will run into a park ranger, normally an unpaid volunteer.

Although not really a great height or anything, at less than even 2,000 feet, it does take a while to get up the hill. Although there are people that do run up the hill, ru
nning down it is a real problem, as the switchbacks have numerous loose rocks. Try to run down Cowles mountain enough time, and I can almost guarante you will eventually have a broken ankle.

The switchbacks on the ascent are pretty long, but not torturous if you are in fair to reasonable shape. I would suggest perhaps something a little more sturdy than tennis shoes or cross-country trainers, although that is what most people wear. If you have them, a pair of athletic hiking shoes are the best.

And guess what? --you and your dog or dogs are welcome here anytime. The best time would be early morning or late afternoon, as outside of those times, it does get hot. We are talking about only fall-through the spring, as summer is just too hot. Some people climb up Cowles mountain at every winter solstice, but nobody does the same for the summer solstice--just too hot

And your dogs probably get even hotter than you. This is one place that not only do you need a leash for your pooches, but you also need to carry water--perhaps for you also.

Wendy, Baggy, and I will see you soon atop Cowles mountain.