I set aside a weekend to finally hike to the top of El Cajon Mountain! I grew up in and around the area of El Capitán Reserve. I'd always stare at those beautiful, tall rocky peaks and tell myself one day I needed to conquer that bad boy. Thanks to Social Hikers and the San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge for giving me the motivation to make the hike happen.

Knowing the trail was going to be a rollercoaster of ups and downs all the way to the top. I wanted to get this hike challenge out of the way while it was still nice and cool out. The weather turned out to be a perfect, clear day with a light breeze. Awesome green foliage everywhere with running water in the little creeks was an extra early spring season treat. It was a little warm mid-day, climbing all the steep parts. However, on the way down, there was a very cool ocean breeze, which felt super rewarding after a long day of hiking.

I arrived at the El Capitan Preserve Trailhead a little bit before 9 a.m. It took me a good 6+ hours to complete, and I was back to my car around 3:30 pm. I did take my time on the trail, taking a bunch of pictures, and took a good 30-minute break on top, soaking in the views.

I was surprised to find the trails well maintained and clearly marked. A tip for anyone who hasn't hiked this trail before, like myself: there are marked green ground stakes on the last section of the El Cajon Mountain trail that will lead you to the top of the peak (I'll post a picture too). I thought this was worth mentioning because I did witness a lot of people looking for help finding the way up and down, getting lost, and walking off the trail. Parking at the trailhead was pretty slim pickings at 9 a.m.; there was definitely a large Saturday crowd, which was expected on a perfect weather day.

It was definitely a super rewarding, tough local hike that I will do again! Looking forward to the next one! Cheers!