The views along this hike are definitely worth the effort.  With almost 3500 feet of elevation gain, there is a good amount of climbing on this one, but luckily it is all up and then all down (unlike El Cajon).  The first portion of the hike (Oak Grove Trail) is the steepest, and the trail is single track and rocky in areas; but, there is a good amount of shade along this portion.  I really enjoyed this particular trail on the way back down…the views coming down were amazing!  Oak Grove Trail intersects Oak Grove Truck Trail.  At this point you are hiking on a wide dirt road.  No shade on this section of the hike.  The incline isn't too bad here; so even though you are climbing, climbing, it doesn't feel too difficult.  We did encounter a lot of bugs along the section of the hike, so thank goodness for bug nets.  The last portion of the hike up, along Palomar Divide Road, is under the shade of trees here and there.  Given that Oak Grove Truck Trail is fully exposed, it was nice to be in a bit of shade.  Views, views, views all along the way…which was great!  At the peak, there is a picnic table and a fire lookout tower.