Today marks the 50th anniversary of the purchase of Cowles Mountain, an iconic landmark and the most popular hike destination in the City of San Diego.

In 1974, Cowles Mountain was in imminent danger of being developed when an opportunity for local government to buy it arose. The purchase laid the cornerstone for the park we enjoy today and forged the inter-governmental cooperation to make Mission Trails a reality.

The mountain is named after George A. Cowles (pronounced ‘kowlz’), a rancher who moved to San Diego in 1877. Cowles built up a community around his ranch which became known as Cowlestown, and then later, the City of Santee. 

Later on in the 20th century, private development started to surround Mission Trails Regional Park and the mountain, and on Dec. 31, 1974, the County of San Diego and the City of San Diego purchased the mountain for $2.2 million. The purchase saved the land from development and preserved it in perpetuity.

“Cowles Mountain is a symbol of our City’s deep commitment to preserving the natural beauty and outdoor spaces that define our region,” said District 7 Councilmember Raul A. Campillo, Chair of the Mission Trails Regional Park Task Force. “The 50th anniversary of its purchase is not just a celebration of the foresight and determination of those who worked tirelessly to protect this iconic landmark, but also a call to action. As stewards of Mission Trails Regional Park, we must continue to focus on growing the park, enhancing its sustainability, and safeguarding this treasure so future generations can continue to experience the wonder and inspiration it provides.”

Longtime San Diegans may recall references to Cowles Mountain as “S Mountain,” which stemmed from a tradition started by San Diego State College (now SDSU) students who painted a 400-foot-tall letter “S” on the side of the mountain in 1931. The painting of the “S” continued into the late 1970s when the tradition ceased for environmental and habitat protection.

Today, thousands of San Diegans and visitors hike Cowles Mountain’s trails each month, which is a part of Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP). The park has become known as one of the largest urban parks in the country, encompassing more than 8,000 acres of natural and developed recreational areas.

With the support of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, the City of San Diego works to preserve and protect Mission Trails and provide educational and recreational opportunities.

“The City of San Diego has been the proud steward of Cowles Mountain for more than the last 50 years,” said Andy Field, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. “Our team works hard every day to ensure this cherished resource is available for visitors to get outside, exercise, explore nature, and check out the amazing views. We look forward to taking care of Cowles Mountain for many more years to come.”

The Cowles Mountain trailhead is located at 7001 Golfcrest Drive in the San Carlos neighborhood. It includes a small parking lot, restrooms, a water fountain, benches, and maps of the mountain and park.

For more information about Mission Trails Regional Park, visit the MTRP Foundation’s website.