Chula Vista means 'beautiful view' in Spanish and Rock House Mountain has that view.
Distance is no more than five miles round trip, out-and-back from Mount Miguel Community Park in Chula Vista, CA. Elevation gain is approximately 1,200 ft. It is a single-track moderately strenuous with obvious routes.
The secret’s out! A lot of local active residents are taking advantage of Rock House Mountain. If you want to experience a great workout and fantastic views, just head over to San Miguel Community Park and run (or hike) the mountains northeast of the park.
Rock House Mountain is located just north of East H St (where it turns into Proctor Valley Rd) and Mount Miguel Rd at San Miguel Ranch.
If you like to experience nature and be active, go out there and experience what Chula Vista has to offer. The challenge to run (or hike) is worth the view from the top. Runners can expect to choose from moderately inclined zigzags or a straight-up climb in some areas. It takes a lot of muscle and stamina to run it all the way to the top—that is why it is a runner’s haven. It provides the perfect hill workout for those who like to mix up their running routine.
Once on top, to the east you can see the eastern mountains, rolling hills, and the Salt Creek Golf Course; to the west and south you can see all of Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir, and Chula Vista all the way to the bay and the sea. Enjoy views all the way to Mexico, Coronado, and Downtown San Diego and beyond on a clear day.
To get to the trails park around Mount San Miguel Community Park (just east of Toll Road 125 at San Miguel Rd). There are no signs yet but trails are hard to miss once you enter the mountain north of the park and the residential area on Peseo Veracruz and Paseo Los Gatos. Weekends are ideal for those who need to learn the way up the mountain because there are plenty of hikers, mountain bikers, and runners and they are very helpful and friendly if you need guidance (remember to take the narrow single-track dirt roads to experience the natural wonder of the mountain and do look out for wild animals—after all, you are in the wild).
You can’t see the top until you get there! Reaching the top is a pleasure all on its own but there is joy, too, in breathing the crisp air and admiring the view while you rest your leg muscles. Cimbers on bikes and foot, have taken the tradition of placing their own rock on the ever-growing man-made work of art. There is even a path forming in the shape of a fort or maze.
Go out there, runners, and contribute to the tradition; put your hand-picked rock on top of the mountain, take a picture, and then brag to your friends and family that you made it to the top of Rock House Mountain.
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