You can start the hike from two different trailheads along Father Juniper Serra Trail, a paved road that runs through the park. One is near Kumeyaay Lake Campground and the other is at Old Mission Dam Historic Site. Both trails will merge at a saddle before reaching the summit. You can also use an alternate route along the west side of the ridge for more variety.

The summit of Kwaay Paay Peak is marked by a wooden post with a sign and a register where you can write your name and comments. From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the park and beyond. You can see Cowles Mountain, Pyles Peak, South Fortuna Mountain, and North Fortuna Mountain, as well as the San Diego River valley, Kumeyaay Lake, and Oak Canyon. On a clear day, you can also see the downtown skyline, the Coronado Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean in the west, and the Miramar air base, the Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, and the Black Mountain in the north.

The trail is open year-round and is popular for hiking and running. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash. The trail can be hot and exposed, so avoid hiking during midday or on very warm days.

Source: Kwaay Paay Peak | San Diego | Hikespeak.com. https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/kwaay-paay-peak-hike-san-diego/ Kwaay Paay Peak Trail: A Hike with Panoramic Views - CA Hiking Adventures. https://cahikingadventures.com/kwaay-paay-peak/ Kwaay Paay Peak Hike In Mission Trails | The Simple Hiker. https://thesimplehiker.com/hiking-kwaay-paay-peak-mission-trails/ Conversation with Bing Chat