San Diego Hikes: Twin Peaks in Poway
Suburban San Diego has many small mountains that allow for a quick intense workout. One of our favorites is Twin Peaks in Poway. The 2.5 mile climb up Twin Peaks in Poway provides a 500-foot climb to get the heart going.
The name Twin Peaks comes from two mountains next to each other in Poway. The reality is only one of the peaks truly stands out. This is the peak we climb to in this hike.
- Starting Point: Silverset Park Poway
- Length: 1.2 mile each way
- Elevation: 600 foot gain and loss
- Type: Out-and-back
Overall this is more of a local’s suburban hike. However, it is a good weekday hike for visitors to the many businesses in Poway and Rancho Bernardo. The hike can be done in an hour, so it can provide a before or after work exercise.
The hike starts at Silverset Park off of Twin Peaks Rd. The trailhead starts right by the Silverset Park sign. There are full bathroom facilities at the park.
In the first 0.2 miles of the hike, there are a couple of turnoffs. Most of these lead in to the surrounding neighborhoods. You want to keep climbing uphill towards the mountain in the distance.
You will come to a junction where a road to the left takes a steep climb up the hill. You want to bear left on to this road.
At about 0.6 miles the trail to the top of Twin Peaks splits to the left. If you continue on the road it will shortly dead-end at an intersection. In this case, you have gone too far and need to head back to the turnoff.
As you head up the mountain, the trail narrows and there are some rocky sections. I am not sure of the “official” route up the mountain, but I made it to the top.
The top of Twin Peaks has great 360-degree views. To the west is Black Mountain, the second highest point in the city of San Diego and home to some of our favorite hikes. To the east are Mt. Woodson and Iron Mountain. These are home to some of urban San Diego’s best hikes.
The name Twin Peaks obviously refers to two mountains. However, to me the second peak is not so obvious, especially from the top.
Twin Peaks in Poway is an out-and-back trail, so from the peak you head back the way you came. The entire hike can easily be done in an hour.
The climb up Twin Peaks does not look like much. However, looks can be deceiving. The 500-foot elevation gain provides a solid workout. The trail is isolated and often I have done the hike without seeing a single person.
