| El Cajon Mountain has often been described as | | | | find the saddle with a summit on your left. There will |
| "Often seen, rarely climbed". This is true because, the | | | | be a short road going up the mountain on the right |
| mountain trail is hard to find and the weather there is | | | | with a small house like structure on top. Follow the |
| hot, due to very little vegetation and greenery and El | | | | trail to the east of the summit for half a mile. |
| Cajun is surrounded by private property which makes | | | | Although this path is un-kept, it is easy to follow and |
| the ordeal even harder, incase you end up | | | | gives you a great view of the sights around the |
| trespassing. Although once you reach the top, the | | | | mountain. You will come across a scrub forest and |
| view is absolutely worth the trouble. | | | | then a Live Oak forest where you will be able to |
| In order to Hike to the top of the El Cajon Mountain, | | | | enjoy some shade. 3 and a half miles of this and you |
| you need to take the I-8 out on the east side of | | | | reach another saddle. There will be three old mine |
| San Diego, following it for a total of 16 miles. When | | | | shafts to your left and a spring shortly after but it is |
| you reach El Cajon, take highway number 67, north, | | | | advised not to have a drink, as the water there, has |
| and after around about 6.5 miles in that direction you | | | | an odd smell, reminiscent of sulphur. |
| go on to Willow. Go 10 miles towards east and then | | | | The total elevation for the trail to El Cajon Mountain |
| take a left when you reach Wildcat Canyon Road. | | | | is 1,545' and 3675' for the summit, |
| Another 3 and a half miles on this road and you will | | | | The best time to hike to the top of El Cajon |
| have reached a parking space which will be on the | | | | Mountain is Autumn. |
| right hand side. It is important to remember, you will | | | | If you want to take the hike up to El Cajon |
| not find any parking space after this, so park your | | | | Mountain, make sure you bring with you lots of |
| car now. | | | | water, juices or fluids as you will not find any water |
| From there you walk east for about half a mile on | | | | on the trail, apart from the sulphur spring. Sunscreen |
| the gravel road and you will be able to see the El | | | | is also a must as there is little or no shade on the trail |
| Cajon Mountain trail on your left. Once you have | | | | to El Cajon Mountain. Rope is another essential you |
| walked onto the trail, you will experience several | | | | should carry with you. |
| switchbacks or hairpin turns before the trail leads you | | | | It is also advised that you try to stay away from |
| to another gravel path going up the hill. Remain on | | | | any private property you come across. |
| the gravel path for about 4 and a half miles and will | | | | |