The problem with hiking El Cajon Mt:  there is little shade, so should you go on a cool overcast day and miss the views, or on a clear sunny day where the views from on top are limitless but the temperature is going to be high?  I chose the former as it was overcast at 8:30 when I started.  I reached the top at 11:30 by which time most of the clouds overhead had disappeared, but there was a heavy marine layer obstructing views to the west. Still great views from the top.

Lots of flowers in bloom, ceanothus, agave, bush poppies etc.  Many butterflies at the summit and some black flies, although they did not seem to be the biting variety.  The trail has deteriorated since I was here in 2021.  A section at about 4 miles in is deeply rutted and Pampas grass has invaded.

I was congratulating myself mentally as I came down from El Capitan, when I was confronted by another hiker running up the trail…..in flipflops!  The trail surface is treacherous in places due to steepness and loose gravel.  Even with poles I slipped several times on the way down.  Be careful.