Short drive up Wildcat Canyon Road. Trailhead parking is free but does not open until 8am. There is street parking along Wildcat Canyon Road, for those that want to start earlier.

I followed the road up through a residential area at first. After following the signs for the trailhead I saw the restroom facility. The actual trail starts here.

When they say this is San Diego’s hardest hike, they’re not lying. Some of the trails grade were a gruesome 40-60%. Some minor scrambling was made on some parts of the trail. Although it was a cool sunny day, lots of water was drank. I packed about 3L of water and went through most of it. Be prepared for a testing hike.

The peak is very rewarding with amazing views of east county and lots of cool rocks to climb on. Bonus peak El Capitan is right across. I didn’t get to visit it as my legs were already shot by the time I got to the top

Started at about almost 8am and finished around 2:30pm. Managed to get a total walking time of 6 hours. Many other hikers were on the trail that day as well. Weather conditions were high 60s to low 70s.