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A route climbing Mt. Gower in Mt. Gower County Preserve, overlooking the San Diego Country Estates.


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Map Key

3.8

Miles

6.1

KM

76%

Runnable

3,077' 938 m

High

1,632' 497 m

Low

1,680' 512 m

Up

381' 116 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

46%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Closed in the month of August due to heat.

Runner Notes

It is hard to find the trail after mile 3, with class 2-3 scrambling options at a few points. There is no water once you leave the parking lot, the trail is very exposed, and it is often very hot (even during the winter). Rattlesnakes are very common. Cell phone reception is good, especially at the top of the mountain.

Description

The Mt. Gower Trailhead is located at the Mt. Gower Preserve (a San Diego County Park). The preserve is at the end of Gun Stage Road in the San Diego Country Estates. Continue past the gate for 1/4 mile to a good size parking area with restrooms, water, a picnic area, and an equestrian staging area.

There is only one trail from the parking lot, but it forks about 1/4 mile in. Take a right at the fork...the other trail continues to a viewpoint in the west part of the preserve. Continue uphill on a very well groomed trail until you come to another fork marked by a wooden bench. Take a left and descend along an exposed ridge. A water tower situated on an adjacent ridge will come into view. A third intersection will appear, take a left and descend into the bottom of a gully. Cross the seasonal stream and start a very steep climb onto the ridge where the water tower is located. Traverse the ridge onto Mt. Gower.

As the ascent continues, the trail grows progressively narrow, steep, and overgrown. Route finding becomes difficult around the 3-mile mark. Here you'll encounter a granite slab amidst a field of unique boulders. A trail continues downhill and east; do not take this trail. Instead continue up the granite slab following the artificial lines that mark the Mt Gower Trail. From here a substantial amount of scrambling and route finding is required. Enjoy the 360-degree views from the summit!

For more information visit the park's website.

Shared By:

Chris Fa

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#11806

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1,148

in California

#11,806

Overall
9 Views Last Month
1,790 Since Sep 15, 2016
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Photos

A trail runner and hiker make their way down the Mt. Gower Trail.
Apr 18, 2017 near San Die…, CA
View west from near Mt. Gower. with permission from matthew.j.kidd
Sep 26, 2016 near San Die…, CA
View of Middle Peak, Cuyamaca Peak and Mount Gower from the false Mount Gower with permission from 100peaks 100peaks.com
Sep 27, 2016 near San Die…, CA
Enjoy a rocky view from the Mt. Gower Trail.
Apr 18, 2017 near San Die…, CA
Rock formation on the way to Mount Gower. with permission from 100peaks 100peaks.com
Sep 26, 2016 near San Die…, CA

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