Before I attempted this hike, I was told it is very challenging and a lot of elevation gain and loss when going out as well as coming back. I read a lot of articles about this trail and get prepared. I set the date and the weather forecast were favorable for this hike. Even on the date I hiked, the weather was much better. It was cloudy and little bit of light rain when I start, but it stopped as we go up. There was trail mark on every mile and additionally on 3.5 mile. It was very easy to follow and the elevation profile on the mark was impressive, because I did not see this kind of trail sign before.
The parking lot opens at 8:00 am, and we arrived there at 6:30 am. So we parked our car on the side of the street, and start our journey. After passing a couple of private ranches, we were at the trailhead with restroom.
About 1 mile, there is T junction where you take left turn. Soon there is a mile marker, then there is a junction (Pata Ranch Trail) where we take left and continue El Capitian Trail.
When you pass the 3 mile marker and bench, there is stop sign and it said “You just finished easy half of the trail”. I guess there will be a lot of of uphill waiting for us.
I was very good shape, and I wasn’t feeling that hard at this point. Before you reach 5 mile marker, there is old jeep truck which is good spot to take a picture. Also, we feel it gets close to the peak.
At 5 miles, there is four way junction. Go straight will lead to the cliff, and we take a left turn continue to El Cajon Mountain peak. From here, the trail gets narrow and there were a lot of vegetation and you will want to wear long pants not getting scratch on your leg.
Finally, we summit El Cajon peak, and enjoy the spectacular view. After brief rest, we came back to the four way junction, we go the other side which is about 0.3 miles to the right at junction. There is not much except old building structure. We came back to the junction again, and came back the the parking lot.
The downhills when we go out became a uphill when we came back. Total elevation gain is 4000 ft, but I don’t feel it is as hard as Mt baldy and other peaks in San Gabriel range, because elevation is much lower. It is great work out and very rewarding hike, and not that crowded, nor loneliness. You will meet many people when you travel this trail.