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Panoramic View north from Kwaay Paay Summit;  new Monument Signs were installed on all Mission Peaks in 2018

January 6, 2022

Kwaay Paay is 4th highest peak in Mission Trails Regional Park.  The name comes from local Kumeyaay Native language, meaning 'leader'.  It is a short trail and worthy after-work jaunt if you are local.  It is still decent exercise and final rise to the summit, more steep than perhaps expected, will provide decent albeit short cardio. There are two trailheads, both on north end of Father Junipero Serra Trail (driveable 1-way from Visitor Center).  West trail starts from Old Mission Dam Historic Site which is well worth a visit.  This parking lot is small and fills easily.  East Trail starts from Gate at Bushy Hill Drive and there is large parking lot outside the gate, as well as street parking.  These trailheads are less than kilometer apart. Both trails join up about 1/3rd of the way up.  I recommend parking the car at Bushy Parking lot, hiking up via east trail then on descent take west trail to Mission Dam and walking the road back to parking.  Trail is easy to follow but watch for snakes in summer.  Summit area is wide with Monument installed in 2018.  Fence prohibits venturing beyond the summit area; if you decide still to explore, faint trail through the bush has seen some use. It will lead to rocky outcrop ~5min from summit area with westerly views and great spot to watch the Sunset (last photo in gallery).

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