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Kwaay Paay Peak Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (26)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …San Diego
  5. Mission Trails Regional Park
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“A relatively short but tough trail with rewarding views of San Diego. ”

Alvaro Frausto
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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.0

KM

Point to Point

1,170' 357 m

High

305' 93 m

Low

872' 266 m

Up

8' 2 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (8°)

46%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Description

There are several trailheads with trails leading to Kwaay Paay Peak. This trailhead is located on Father Junipero Serra road closest to the dirt parking lot. You can park on Junipero Serra road, but if you're planning on staying past 7 pm, park on the dirt parking lot at the entrance to Mission Trails Park.

The trail begins with a steep climb and never lets up. You encounter several flat places where you can give your legs a rest, but you face another steep climb near the end.

Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of San Diego and of the entire Mission Trails Park.

Be cautious on the return trip since the steepness can be treacherous. Trekking poles are recommended but not required.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of San Diego - Parks & Recreation

Shared By:

Alvaro Frausto
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 26 votes

#1

in Mission Trails Regional Park

#302

Overall
  4.3 from 26 votes
5 Star
42%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Mission Trails Regiona…

#34

in California

#302

Overall
13 Views Last Month
2,396 Since Jun 30, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

View towards the north of the Grassland Loop at Mission Trails Park from the Kwaay Paay Peak Trail.
Jun 30, 2015 near Santee, CA
View towards the north from Kwaay Paay Peak.
Jun 30, 2015 near Santee, CA
Start of Kwaay Paay Peak Trail at Mission Trails Park.
Apr 24, 2017 near Santee, CA
A blue belly lizard at Mission Trails Park.
Apr 24, 2017 near Santee, CA
View west from near Kwaay Paay Peak at Mission Trails Park.
Apr 24, 2017 near Santee, CA
Pano view from the top, looking west.
Feb 25, 2016 near Santee, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 24, 2023
Paul Jones
1.3mi — 13h 27m
Jul 19, 2022
Sandy Beaches
Ran this twice. It's great for uphill slog and down hill speed.
Feb 26, 2021
Brianna Fox
Jan 26, 2021
Yu Gui
Jan 3, 2021
Diego Solis
Aug 23, 2020
Shane Howard
kwaay peak
Feb 6, 2020
Steven Bertsche
#4
Jan 26, 2020
Marysol OB

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