5-Peak Challenge at Mission Trails Regional Park

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Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego, California encompasses more than 8,000 acres of land with nearly 65 miles of trails.  What started as an "accidental" hike to South Fortuna Summit became a "Can we do it? Let's do it!" moment for us.

Of course, we have heard of the 5-Peak Challenge and even the 5 Peaks-in-1 Day Challenge, but we never thought we'd actually do it.  Forget the 5 Peaks-in-1 Day; we knew that was not even in the realm of possibility for us! But, 5 Peaks by Spring.  Definitely do-able!


  • South Fortuna Summit - This hike, like I said, was "accidental." Our second visit to the Old Mission Dam was underwhelming, exercise-wise, so we decided to explore a bit more and walked towards Grasslands Loop and Oak Canyon Trail where we saw the sign to South Fortuna Summit. With a "they said it's the lowest summit" attitude, we went for it. Of course, it kicked our butt. That hike up the Fortuna Saddle is a #@%&! But we're also at the point of "it's too late to turn back." So, up we go.  Taking a selfie at the summit marker definitely motivated us to conquer all summits. After about what-feels-like-forever of hiking and walking, we must head back down to our car via the "Stairway to Heaven" before sunset... My knees! (Total Miles: approx. 6.4 miles.) Next time, we plan to access South Fortuna Summit via the West Fortuna Staging Area (Tierrasanta) and only to the summit and back. That way, we also get to experience the "Stairway to Heaven" up-and-down.  
  • North Fortuna Summit -  We did South Fortuna, so let's conquer its partner - North Fortuna Summit.  We accessed the trail via Portobelo Drive in Tierrasanta. The trail is pretty straightforward. Bonus: Not a lot of people on this trail so social distancing is automatic. We added a climb up to Shepherd's Ridge Trail on our way to the summit and went by way of the Shepherd's Pond on our way back. (Total Miles: approx. 5.3 miles roundtrip.) Next time,  we can watch the Miramar Air Show from here. 
  • Kwaay Paay Summit - The trail to Kwaay Paay can be accessed from the Old Mission Dam.  So, we started from West Fortuna Staging Area at Tierrasanta through the Fortuna Saddle.  My husband said, "it's a valley... it's flatter" because it sits between North and South Fortuna.  Not! The trailhead is right across Old Mission Dam  parking area.  Maybe because we were tired already from going through the "valley" that if feels like the trail to the summit is narrower and steeper.  There are stairs on parts of the trail that almost seemed relaxing; that is, if you're not feeling the pain in your knees. We went home via the San Diego River Crossing Trail. (Total Miles: approx. 9.1 miles)  Next time, forget the Fortuna Saddle.
  • Cowles Mountain Summit - Do not come here in the weekend! We arrived on a Saturday just after 9AM and could not find parking.  Forget the trailhead parking; it's tiny.  But we could not find parking even on the streets or residential areas unless we wanted to park at home.  So, we decided to try again the next day to catch the sunrise.  Waking-up at 4:30AM was definitely a challenge, but it was worth finding a parking spot at the trailhead.  After a pee-pee stop (that was unexpected), we hit the trail with flashlights on hand. You'd think we're the only ones here, but no! You can see flashlights flashing all the way up.  We beat the sunrise and arrived at the summit for our obligatory summit marker and sunrise photo. (Total Miles: approx. 3 miles roundtrip)  Next time, we're hiking on a weekday.
  • Pyles Peak Summit - A lot of people hike-up to Cowles Summit and do not even know that the trailhead to Pyles Peak is up there, too.  We left Cowles Summit and its crowd to head to the Pyles Peak trailhead which is nestled between Cowles Summit and the radio towers. If you're not intentionally looking for it, you might just miss it.  There is definitely no crowd here.  It's a roller-coaster of a trail. Down-up-down-up-down-up-up-up... From the Pyles summit, you'll get a nice view of the other 4 peaks.  (Total Miles from/to Cowles Summit: 3 miles roundtrip)  Heading back, you'll pass by Cowles Mountain summit again. Mask up! Next time, bring someone else who thinks Cowles is all that. 

5 PEAKS... We did it and it's not even Spring yet (as of this draft). We're buying a t-shirt to commemorate this achievement - and of course, to support Mission Trails Regional Park.  Your turn!