Detours & Alternate Routes Peak #5

San Diego Six Pack of Peaks, Alternate Routes & Detours (Peak #5)

Arguably the most difficult of the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, El Cajon Mountain.  An 11-mile hike that boast an impressive 3,900 feet in elevation gain, but due to the nature of the ups and downs on this hike about 1,000 feet of the gain comes during the descent making it a little more challenging than a normal “up & down” hike. Today, for my alternate route/detour I decided to add in a short stroll over to El Capitan Mountain which added about .7 miles and about 142 feet in elevation gain to the hike.

Today was a good day on trail. I started fairly early to avoid the heat. Just before 6am. This hike is notorious for its heat. Its location inland combined with the rocky surroundings always pushes the heat index. In fact, if the air temperature on the trail reaches, let’s say, 80 degrees then the radiated temps that you feel from the rocks and surrounding area with be at least 15 degrees hotter. So, a forecast of 80 degrees, means 95 degrees on trail. BE PREPARED! Take more water than you think you will need, as well as plenty of energy snacks.

I believe in August every year they close the trail to hikers due to the heat and previous heat related illnesses. Anyway, another great day on trail for me. I logged 11.7 miles and 4,065 feet in elevation gain for both El Cajon and El Capitan Mountains. Peak #5 of the Six Pack of Peaks with Alternate Routes and Detours complete.