Hard hike under good conditions

El Cajon lived up to its reputation. I think this may be the hardest hike I’ve ever done. The day itself was good as we had overcast weather until after the summit. Conditions of the trail were good – dry and some areas quite rocky, but nothing surprising. We also hiked to the top of El Cap (a short distance – although uphill – on the return) and visited the mines. There were no bugs and no snakes were seen. We stopped for a sandwich at the summit and by the end of the hike I’d finished 3L of water (you should consider taking more if the day is hotter!) There was no sign post at El Cajon, but a few guys told us there was a log book in the glovebox of the jeep so we signed that on the way back.

The uphills and flats weren’t an issue for me but the steep descents (max slope 42%!) caught up with me on the way back and my knee gave out, making the last 2 miles extremely difficult (even with hiking poles.)  I’ll have to wait until it heals up to complete my 6th San Diego peak – hopefully at the end of the year with cooler weather and with one of our group who couldn’t make it today.