El Cajon Mountain

One of the more challenging hikes I’ve done; the total elevation and milesage is only a few miles/100s of feet off of doing Mission Trails 5 peaks in a day.

There are a variety of steep and challenging sections; if you’re only an occasional user of trekking poles, this is definitely one of the hikes that you’ll be glad to have them.

I wore shorts, but there are sections where you will have your legs brushed by the chapparal.

The last leg of the trail is somewhat technical; lots of big rocks to navigate around and over.   The view at the top is great, though in terms of effort/payoff ratio, not nearly as high as Corte Madera or Garnet Peak.    Not sure if I’d do this one again.