The Hardest Hike In San Diego
El Cajon Mountain Trail
El Cajon Mountain Trail winds through the El Capitan County Preserve, starting at Wildcat Canyon Road. The mountain stands at 3,675 feet, but you will gain approximately 4000 feet during the hike due to the numerous small hill climbs that lead to steep descents.
The hike offers spectacular views. If you arrive early enough, you can venture onto the main trail and reach impressive heights within the first hour, allowing time to appreciate the morning glory of a red and pink sunrise. Along the way, you will discover fascinating out-and-back paths, including old mineshafts. The landmarks scattered along the route also help keep you motivated during the challenging sections.
The common belief is that this is “the hardest hike in San Diego.” From my own experience, I agree entirely, and it may even be tougher than other challenging ascents like Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. The difficulty, for me, came not from the incline itself, but from the intense heat felt during the descent, combined with the return climbs from the end back to the start. There is no real “downtime” on the ascent and even less on the descent. The grades are ruthless, reaching around 36% in some areas.
Is El Cajon Mountain worth it? I always ponder this question during a challenging hike, and my initial answer is no. However, once the experience is over and the dust settles, I can conclude that this hike is indeed worthwhile, especially if you're training for another challenging endeavor. This trail has been utilized by San Diego locals preparing for Ironman competitions and even the 14,505-foot Mt. Whitney. If you seek a genuine challenge, appreciate the summit experience, and desire stunning desert views, this hike is for you.
