I am not the biggest fan of this trail and this was reasoning for completing it first and getting it out of the way.  However, we could have not asked for better conditions to hike this beast!  My hiking buddy and I did this trail three times last year in preparation for A16's 24 hour Three Peak Challenge.  This time we took our time and walked at a moderate pace to complete it.  We finished the hike in about 4:22 and was glad when it was over.  Having taken most of the winter off from hiking so far, I figured it would be a great way to get the legs back in shape.  Well El Cajon won again!  Even though the conditions were awesome, I still went through 2.5L of water.  Even though you do not have to deal with elevation, DO NOT underestimate this one! Even though the summit is only at 3,680′, you will have 3,852′ of elevation gain and loss (according to my Garmin watch).  Good luck to those that still have to do it, as you will probably not find me back on it till next year!