A popular hiking trail in the eastern part of the city of San Diego will be closed for several weeks. Beginning today, March 25th, the main trail that begins on Golfcrest and Navajo Road will be closed tentatively until May 17th. During this time, repairs will be made, with help from the Urban Corps, to make the trail safer.
This main trail on Cowles Mountain is very popular, is often busy and sometimes downright crowded. It is almost 1.5 miles long and reaches the summit at just under 1600 feet. A wide variety of people use this trail from children to seniors and from casual hikers and dog walkers to trail running enthusiasts. Other trails beginning off Barker Way will still be available, but parking will be very difficult. There’s no parking lot on Barker Way and hikers have to find parking on the street. Another trail begins in Santee at Big Rock Park and Mesa Road Trail (which meets up with Big Rock Trail).
Over the last few years, there have been several incidences where people have been injured while hiking on the trail. Injuries to the ankle, leg and foot were the most common and generally occur within the first half mile on the trail. Several areas of trail are badly eroded from use and weather making the trail more slippery or uneven to walk on. Most injured hikers had to be lifted off the mountain by helicopter, a few were able to be walked down in stretchers. It is hoped that these repairs will make the trail safer for all.
Though the date for completion is estimated to be May 17th, it is possible that the trails may be closed for a longer period. For updates and progress reports, check the Mission Trails Regional Park website for more details at www.mtrp.org.
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