Distance
2.3 Miles
Time
~1.5 Hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Gain
875 ft
Season
All Year
Bathrooms
No
Kwaay Paay Peak is a 2.3-mile trail located in Mission Trails Regional Park near Santee, California. It’s considered to be a moderate hike because of steep inclines. The elevation gain is 875 feet with views of San Diego and the ocean. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
Map of Kwaay Paay Peak Trail
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Directions & Parking
To get to the Kwaay Paay Peak trail, I took the I-5 S to the I-805. The trailhead and parking area will be on Father Junipero Serro Trail in Santee, CA.
Click here for Google Maps directions.
There are a few parking lots on this road, but you can pretty much park anywhere along the street. There’s plenty of room.
Trailhead to Kwaay Paay Peak
The Kwaay Paay Peak trailhead begins on the side of the road and is pictured at the bottom.
I came on a Thursday morning, which means fewer people on the trail.
A few feet away, there are markers and signs pointing to the trail, so I continued on the right.
There are various large steps on this trail, which explains the quick ascend up to the peak.
Further up the footpath, I saw more and more beautiful wildflowers of various colors. Orange, red, and purple flora made this mostly-dirt trail a lot more vibrant.
I was already breaking a sweat at this point. Mind you, it was a little past 12 PM and the sun was shining very brightly above me with little to no shade.
The last section, about 0.8 miles left, requires a good cardio workout and heart-pumping action up steep steps.
You’ll be sure to break a sweat so bring plenty of water.
After a few water breaks and heavy breathing, I was rewarded with an amazing panoramic view of San Diego, the beach, and the surrounding mountains.
Here’s a closer shot. This left-side shows views of downtown San Diego and the beach. Unfortunately, it was hazy that day.
To the right, you can see North and South Fortuna mountain in the back.
That highest peak is North Fortuna. Typically, they’re both done as a loop.
Yes, I’ll be hiking that one soon!
The hike to Kwaay Paay peak was a little tiring but very short with awesome panoramic views.
I’m sure it looks even better during sunset!
