Kwaay Paay Peak Trail, San Diego

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If you’re looking for a hike in San Diego that will get your heartrate up and not take all day, the Kwaay Paay Peak Trail might be just the ticket. The Kwaay Paay Peak Trail is in Mission Trails Regional Park, but doesn’t get nearly as much foot traffic as its popular neighboring peak, Cowles Mountain. And it’s a bit shorter of a hike. But don’t let that fool you. This hike gains 885 ft. during the 1.25 mile journey to the summit–it’s a steep one!

Once you have all your hiking essentials loaded up, it’s time to head to the trail.

Getting to the Kwaay Paay trail

The Kwaay Paay Peak trailhead is located in Santee, just off of Mission Gorge Road. When you are on Mission Gorge Rd. heading into Santee, away from the Mission Trails Visitor Center, you will turn left onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. Take that road just past the campground and you can park on the road there. If that road is full, you can park in the Kwaay Paay Peak parking lot, at the corner of Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Rd., right across from the campground.

The trailhead is on the left-hand side of Junipero Serra Trail.

The Hike

Immediately after you begin this 2.5-mile out-and-back trail, you will begin climbing up steep terrain. You will climb about 200 feet in the first quarter mile. And it doesn’t let up much throughout the hike, but you will reach a few stretches of flat road or even small descents that will allow you to catch your breath.

The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. There are a couple of trail markers along the way and signs for other trails if you choose to add on to your journey. When you reach the wooden steps, you will know you are approaching the summit.

After about 1.25 miles, you will reach the summit and can enjoy beautiful views all the way to downtown. You will also have views of the Fortuna Summits from the top of Kwaay Paay.

This trail is relatively short but definitely challenging. I have hiked it with my kids and they’ve done fine, minus a little bit of whining at the steepest parts. Bring a lot of water, especially if you go later in the day. I most recently went on a Friday morning around 7:45am. I only saw three solo hikers on my ascent. As I descended and approached the start of the trail, there were a lot more people who were just beginning the hike.

Dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be on a leash.

If you are interested in other Mission Trails hikes, check out my post about the 5 peak challenge. And for some great waterfall hikes in San Diego, check out the Cedar Creek Falls hike, 3 Sisters Falls hike and Kitchen Creek falls.

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