Saturday was the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation’s 10th anniversary warrior challenge hike up El Cajon Mountain. Ted and I had done the same challenge on Memorial Day, and by repeating this hike for Veterans Day, we earned some additional patches and challenge coins! We found one of the last spots along the northbound Wildcat Canyon road and gathered our gear. At the trailhead, we signed in with the rangers, each grabbed our carabiner, a snack, and a photo together, then set off. The carabiners would be used to collect knots from each station along the route. Since we both had hiked this peak multiple times, we just threw it into cruise mode and motored along. We would pass fellow hikers from time to time, and even a couple already returning from the summit (we assumed they had timed their hike to enjoy the sunrise). The aid station at the one-mile mark wasn’t staffed yet, so we would have to grab our knot on the way back. We kept a solid pace as we pushed on toward the next station at the three-mile mark. That station was also not staffed yet, so we would also need to stop here on our descent.
The day was warming up, and that early start was a wise choice. Soon we passed that rusting truck, and thereafter the saddle between El Cajon and El Capitan. We had a quick break before the final steep push to the summit. The familiar green trail markers led us up the slope. A few hikers were milling around the summit, and I recognized James Alvernaz. I had met him a few weeks back at the parking lot at the Idyllwild Ranger station; he was headed up toward Tahquitz and I was off to the summit of San Jacinto. We recognized each other and chatted for a bit. After some snacks and grabbing a few photos, it was time to head down. Plus, there isn’t a lot of room at the summit, and it can get crowded up there.
The initial descent was a bit slow, as many other hikers were making their way up. But once we reached the saddle, the trail widened and we could usually pass without needing to stop. At the three-mile station, now staffed, we grabbed our knots, some snacks, topped off our water bottles with some cold water, and continued our descent. As we neared the one-mile station, we noticed a hiker in some distress, and stopped to see if we could help. Another hiker had been cruising down with us, and between the three of us, we got him some electrolytes and some quick energy gels. He had a companion with him, so we let him rest and let the electrolytes start to take effect. Just a few minutes later, a ranger drove up in a small cart, and we let him know there was a hiker in distress by the nearby kiosk. We later learned that they gave him a lift back to the trailhead.
At the one-mile station, we got our final two knots and a few more snacks. Now the conversation turned to essential matters—lunch. We mulled over the options as we continued down. Once at the trailhead, we collected our patches and coins and thanked the rangers and volunteers for their hard work. Once back at the car, we had settled on Board & Brew as our lunch spot. We hiked the 10.8 miles in 5:27. And remembering how we commented on the heat, the thermometer in the car read 88°F!
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails: San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!
In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer). I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.