El Cajon Mt Trailhead

Awesome hike. VERY intense if you do the entire hike. Make sure you take a lot of water, especially if you go during the summer it gets very very hot. Try to go as early as possible.

It's getting 5 stars because, nature. That aside, the hike was brutal. It's brutal enough that they close the trail in August because of the heat

This hike is for the conditioned hiker and trail runner. The view at top is well worth the trip up. There are two peaks to summit if so desired. Really nice views of the surrounding areas on the way up.

Beautiful hike, long and lots of incline, have water and healthy snacks.
Clean maintained trail.

This was a tough hike, but well worth it. Lots of steep ups and downs and one of the only hike I've done in San Diego that I would consider strenuous. The view however is exceptional. I plan on doing it again as there were offshoot trails I'd like to explore. The whole hike took me about 4.5 hours. Depending on your fitness level I wouldn't start this hike later than 8am. The trail is well marked and once you get to the halfway mark a sign will say if its past a certain time dont continue. You can also see El Monte Park and the Flume trail that starts there when you are at the halfway point lookout. Bring lots of water, I know that's staying is cliche, but even though I know it, I ran out a mile from the end. Be safe, have fun, enjoy the views.