Twin Peaks (Poway)

Twin Peaks (Poway)

• Location: Silverset Park, Poway. From the Interstate 15/Highway 56 interchange, take the Ted Williams Parkway exit and head east for 2.5 miles. Turn right on Twin Peaks Rd. and go 0.4 miles. Turn left on Silverset St. and drive 0.2 miles to the park. From points north, take Interstate 15 south to Camino Del Norte (exit 22). Turn left and head southeast for 2.4 miles (Camino Del Norte becomes Twin Peaks Rd. along the way). Turn left on Silverset St. and follow it 0.2 miles to the park.
• Agency: Lake Poway Recreation Area
• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 700 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 1 hour
• Best season: October – June
• USGS topo map: Poway
• Recommended guidebook: Afoot and Afield San Diego County
• Recommended gear: sun hat; hiking poles
• More information: Trip descriptions here and here (different route); Yelp page here; Map My Hike report here
• Rating: 6

This short but steep hike offers a panoramic view of the Poway area, extending to the ocean on clear days. Despite its convenient suburban location, the mountain’s rugged upper reaches offer a taste of adventure.

From the entrance to Silverset Park, head uphill on a fire road signed as the Twin Peaks Trail. At an intersection with another trail coming up from below, you pass by a bench and stay right at the next fork, heading east. A steep climb brings you to a ridge, half a mile from the start. Turn left on an unmarked trail and head north toward the peaks. (If you find yourself descending toward a T-junction, you’ve come too far.)

After 0.2 miles, you reach another ridge just below the summit. The trail dips into overgrown chaparral on the west side of the ridge and then arrives at the base of the peak. Head straight uphill on any of several loose, rocky trails, using your hands as well as your feet. Just above you, the saddle between the two peaks will serve as a guide.

At the saddle, bear left, pass by a jumble of boulders and follow a use trail the last few dozen yards to the peak. (The taller, western summit has more panoramic views). After enjoying the 360-degree panorama, including Mt. Woodson and Iron Mountain to the northeast and the residential neighborhoods of Poway to the south, retrace your steps, exercising appropriate caution on the steep descent.

Text and photography copyright 2016 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail.  Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.