I had planned to do the Six Pack in order, but didn't want to deal with the snow and ice on the third and fourth hike so I dropped down to El Cajon Mountain.

I never hike with poles but after reading several reviews of the hike on All Trails I decided to borrow my wives poles. I'd always heard how much trekking poles helped, but I had no idea!!!! They'll definitely be on my day pack moving forward when I have any type of significant ascent.

As for the hike itself, it was exactly as I expected based on all the reviews. Fantastic views, a few areas of rock scrambling, and an overall a great hike. The nature of the trail certainly changes at 5 miles once the County trail ends.

It looks like a short add on to top El Capitan but I decided to wait and make that a separate hike. I also noticed a sign/trail for Old Mines at the 3.5 mile marker. I'll definitely head down this path in the future as well.