El Cajon Mountain Trailhead Parking

It was a great hike, but strenuous. Not a good hike for hot conditions. Bring lots of water, even on cooler days, and electrolytes to avoid cramps. Bring snacks, to celebrate summiting.

This is the official start of the El Cajon trail hike. Free parking untill 5pm; if you think you will be longer than that park on the street.
About the hike: this is one of the most strenuous and serious hikes in SD. I am an adventure trail runner and hiker, and how done this hike bunch of times. Best season to go is winter, and avoid going anytime May -October. This hike is known to be one of the hottest around. You gotta be prepared...sun hat, sunscreen, plenty of water and food. Earlier in the day you go, better. If you are lucky enough to go on overcast day, you are GTG! Be prepared for a lot of "up and down" and not steady climbs, which makes it that more difficult.
Overall, great challenging hike, but come prepared, leave early, and bring water!

A strenuous hike, not ment for beginners.
My smoker self made it to the halfway point at a good 26-2800 feet. Could see all of east county, as well as far as downtown! Very peaceful and a good way to get away from the mediocrity.

Above average difficulty for a fit person as well. Actually, reaching the top isn't "very" hard. The hike is a mixture of uphill as well as downhill. Which makes the return all the more difficult. More than physical it's the mental draining as well knowing that you'll still have to walk uphill for stretches on your way back as well. Downhill walk is tricky as the soil is loose hence you'll need really good shoes with good grip. But the view is definitely worth the hike. If you're hiking during summer, carry lots of water, during the winter it's really cold in the morning when you start but don't let that fool you. Once your body is warm enough you won't feel the cold so don't carry that 5 pounds jacket of yours. But at the top it's windy and can get a little cold if you plan to sit for longer. Enjoy!

Nice hike. It is a bit grueling for the uninitiated, and has caught many a hiker off guard with its strenuousness. Advice: Do NOT attempt this trail on a hot day above 90 (unless conditioned for it) and I do not recommend attempting it if you are only an average hiker. Do bring more water than you were planning. At least a gallon per person on hot days. I have helped many people out of water and/or exhibiting the effects of heat exhaustion over the years. I am in good shape and this trail works me. It
would be nicer if it was more of a trail, and less a road. This trail has quite a bit of gain/loss as well as steep grades, on the way to the summit, so put on your game face and be mentally prepared for it.

Oh, and one last bit of advice. Due to the extreme steepness of some of the grades, I highly recommend trekking poles. They can be a much appreciated gift on this hike. Not a requirement, just something to make the hike a little easier, and potentially, safer.

Overall, I always enjoy this hike and it is one my favorites hikes in San Diego.