This was the hardest trail I’ve done to date. It is a lower case triumph for me because this is the one trail I’ve planned on taking that intimidated me. In all honesty, it still does, but I take pride in the fact I conquered it! Hike #4 of the San Diego Six-Pack Peak Challenge!!
The first mile is pretty tame, but starting at mile 2, the inclines start. A series of inclines and descents that last for the next 3 miles, reaching up to 42% grade according to the little “You are here” signs at the mile markers. The granola is pretty moderate, starting around mile 3 or so. At one point, climbing an ascent thinking this was one of the steeper hills I’d encountered, a trail runner ran past me. Up hill. He RAN past me!! Absolutely crazy!!!
Then at mile 5 (at the El Cajon/El Capitan split) the real fun starts! Very narrow trail that has everything from brush obscuring the path to full blown rock scrambling. If it wasn’t for the little green trail markers, I’d be half way to Yuma by now.
The sign at the summit, I’m told, has been moved. It’s stuck in a rock crevasse that you can’t get to unless you do a little bushwhacking. And then you need to shimmy up between two rocks to get a selfie (if that’s your thing).
Then heading back, I decided to detour off to El Capitan, because I really don’t know when I’ll do this trail again, and I’ll regret not hitting that summit when I had the chance. Pretty uneventful, but the morning fog that I was fortunate enough to experience in the way up had burned off and the views were magnificent!!
Responses
Congrats. I just did this trail for the second time recently the first time I was in much better shape. My most recent hike was probably the hardest like I’ve ever done in my life. I also saw four guys running this trail. insane!