One of the easiest trails to find! We started this day at around 7am. There is a parking lot right off the main road. From here continue straight back and follow the signs. The entire trail is well marked and easy to follow. We designated this hike as our last for the challenge. After repeating the same format of “steep first 2 miles,” with Cuyamaca, Hot Springs, and High Point; El Cajon was a refreshing change.

This trail is moderately difficult from beginning to end, the challenge is presented in its length. While the trail maintains consistent gradual increase, you are hiking through hills, and so incline and decline is sporadic. Back to the challenge of length, these hills become more difficult the longer you’ve been hiking, and the previously welcomed declines on the way in become inclines on the way out.

There is one spot where the road forks and you have the option to stay right or veer left. The view from where you are standing at this point is deceiving. The right appears to be the steeper trail, which might encourage you to veer left. This would be a mistake. The path to the right is 0.6 miles with a moderate incline. The path to the left, although slightly shorter at 0.5 miles, is a full 1/2 mile of severe incline. We ascended to the right thinking we might have gotten the two confused, not until we descended on the alternate path did we realize the drama we had avoided.

However, I would say the most challenging part of this hike is the last half mile. The county-maintained portion of the trail ends, but you have not yet reached the top of the mountain. To finish the trek, a small amount of scrambling is required. This is where my “trail difficult” rating applies. The path becomes more obscured, although well marked, and you will have to accomplish some minor rock climbing. With this being the last portion of the ascent, it’s not easy. But as with all hikes, your effort is well-rewarded with a wonderful view.

The bug situation was not bad except for at the peak. The bees have grown wise to the fact that this is probably where most of the food appears. They certainly weren’t overwhelming, but just a word of caution. The peak would be a bad place for a bee allergy.

My summary: This is probably one of the only hikes included in the 6-peak challenge that I would do again, and a perfect way to wrap up this year’s goal. I loved it!