What a difficult hike!  Believe every word when you read reviews about being prepared, this hike is no joke!  The train is 11.3 miles from the trail head but you have to walk another .5 miles from the parking lot or street to get to the actual trail.  It's all uphill and downhill the entire way up and back.  The trail has lots of gravely spots that are slippery and make it difficult while descending.  When you get to the last section of the trail, the trail becomes much more narrow and you have to do some bushwhacking for that final push to the summit.  At the top, there are some great rocks you can hang out on to have some lunch and enjoy the views.  If you still want a little more adventure, you can go and hike to the other peak, El Capitan which an extra .5 miles or so once you get down from El Cajon Mountain peak.  Hiking down, on the way back took us twice as long to do because the downhill hiking is very hard on the knees and if you aren't in peak condition, it's going to hurt!!!  Bring lots of water, more than you think you will need.  Also, bring lots of food, you'll need the energy to keep you going.  Overall, I am glad I did this hike.  Made me reflect on how important it is to stay fit and active.  This hike is not for the faint of heart or weak.  Mental toughness along with physical strength are challenges I strive to keep as I get older.  My husband, Steve blew out his knee but he completed the hike anyway.  I am so proud of him because he is no quitter!!!  Much respect to him and my friend Holly who are two tough son of a B's.