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The difficult and exciting way to El Cajon Mountain.


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1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

60%

Runnable

2,882' 878 m

High

568' 173 m

Low

2,314' 705 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

26%

Avg Grade (14°)

147%

Max Grade (56°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

The South Ridge Trail is not a through trail to the El Cajon Mountain Summit. It terminates at the El Cajon Mountain Mitigation Preserve at the top of the 'El Cap Prow.' The Preserve is strictly off-limits to public access due to endangered species protection requirements.

Description

This is a cool route but it is not for the faint of heart. I'd have been reluctant to try it if I hadn't been with an experienced hiking group that had done it before. Those sensitive to heights or some exposure should take proper precautions or look elsewhere.

The South Ridge Trail is not a through trail to the El Cajon Mountain Summit. It terminates at the El Cajon Mountain Mitigation Preserve, shortly after you gain the plateau at the top of the 'El Cap Prow.' The Preserve is owned and managed by The San Diego River Park Foundation, and is strictly off-limits to public access due to endangered species protection requirements.

Shared By:

Matthew Kidd with improvements by Philipp Arndt

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 8 votes

#11780

Overall
  3.9 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
13%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,109

in California

#11,780

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,218 Since Apr 2, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
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67%
33%

Photos

A triangular rock marks the prow of El Cajon Mountain.
Apr 2, 2017 near Harbiso…, CA
El Capitan Reservoir can be seen from the prow of El Cajon Mountain.
Apr 2, 2017 near Harbiso…, CA
Enjoy the view looking back at El Monte County Park from the prow of El Cajon Mountain.
Apr 2, 2017 near Harbiso…, CA
A hiker ascends the steep prow of El Cajon Mountain.
Apr 2, 2017 near Harbiso…, CA
And so the climb up the prow of El Cajon Mountain begins.
Apr 2, 2017 near Harbiso…, CA
Taking a water break! About midway up the climb, and a quarter of the way of the entire distance.
Oct 7, 2016 near Harbiso…, CA

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