Based in San Diego, Brian Borg is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hikes in scenic locations across the region. Among Brian Borg’s favorite San Diego County locations are Cuyamaca State Park and Mission Trails Regional Park.
The latter 7,000-acre park features Cowles Mountain, which at 1,593 feet is the highest point in the county and offers views that extend from Orange County to Mexico. Pronounced “coals,” the peak is named for George A. Cowles, a rancher who emigrated from the East Coast to California in the 1870s and developed a successful farming, ranching, and business career. He ultimately cemented his place in local lore through earning the nickname “Raisin King of the US.”
The Cowles Mountain trail encompasses three miles of uphill climbing that, while strenuous, doesn't include many steep inclines. For those in search of a longer hike, the trail continues another two miles along much steeper grades to Pyle’s Peak, upon which is perched an iconic radio tower.
