Other reviewers are not exaggerating when they say it is not for the inexperienced. If your hiking experience consist of only Cowls Mountain, do not expect to summit here. This is a 11mi, out and back trail that switches between uphill and downhill sections constantly. That coupled with little to no cover from the sun makes it a fairly brutal hike. I recommend bringing a minimum of 4L of water, and some food to keep your energy levels up. Despite it being a tough hike, the views at the peak are fantastic on a clear day. You get a 360 view of San Diego county, making a good spot to relax before the hike back to the lot. Depending on your pace, expect to spend 4-7 hours on this hike, and be wary of hot summer days. They close the trail in August do to the health risk it poses. Good Luck!

This is more of a work-out then a hike. The terrain is almost entirely made up of extremely brutal uphills followed by extremely brutal downhills. Very little of the trail is flat and there is no shade to be found anywhere. Make sure you are in tip top shape and bring extra water. Caution should also be taken on the trail because the ground can become very loose and unstable. Perfect conditions for a quarter mile tumble down the mountain.

Well…if you like elevation gain, but you think switchbacks are for cheaters…you…will love…this hike. tl;dr no water, steep trails, use trekking poles. The out takes as long as the in, plan accordingly. Don’t let the gentle, sloped driveway approach lure you into a false sense of security. This trail will compete with the first 20 miles of the PCT. I did this with my new pack as a shakedown and it went well, but there are no switchbacks after the first mile. Everything is either going up a hillside or down it. Dry conditions, loose sand, and granite boulders make for a nice winter climb and lots of slip and fall potential. Bring trekking poles. Keep in mind that the rolling steep hills mean nearly a 600 feet of climbing on the way out, when you’re already fatigued, and the steep, sand and boulder ascents are also steep slippery descents, which need to be taken slowly and carefully. It takes as long to get out as in. There is no real water on trail, so anticipate you water needs. I burned 2L and finished the last mile dry, in December. The view of practically all of Southern California is worth it, but this is a 7 hour expedition, so know your schedule and your limits. Know when to turn back.

Nature always gets 5 stars. This hike is brutal in the heat. The views are incredible and are worth the strenuous hike. Get started really early and don't bring your dog if it's hot. I went in July and there were a couple of water sources one can use with a filter.

Pretty challenging hike. I was in the Marine Corps and this reminded me of the hikes we had to do. Go early and bring plenty of water/snacks. You don't want to be hiking this in the middle of the day.

A partially cloudy day made this hike very comfortable but the ups and downs seemed never-ending. Very peaceful area and a good workout.

One of the most difficult hikes I've ever done! 13 miles out and back from the road parking. Start early, bring a lot of snacks, electrolytes, and at least 3 liters of water per person. The hike back might be as difficult, if not more, than the hike out to the summit.

This is the baddest hike San Diego has to offer. Depending on which Trail you take it's a little more than 11 1/2 miles in and out. Bring lots of water and start off early. This is not for the faint of heart I witnessed the set of Marines turn back about two miles before The Summit.

Not for the faint-hearted. Definitely deserve bragging rights for getting to the summit and back. I recommend starting at sunrise if it is going to be a warm day. If the car park is not open, you can park on the road shoulder. Bring plenty of water, and the only bathroom is at the trailhead. I think poles are very handy, except for the last half mile to/from the peak, which involves a bit of scrambling around and over boulders. A picturesque hike and the views can be amazing, depending on the weather. Although my quads complained for a couple of days afterward, I will certainly hike it again.

I’ve done El Cajon Mt three times and it’s beautiful and a very challenging 11-mile hike. Now that it’s summer be sure to bring enough water. I brought 3 liters and ran out. Thankfully the rangers left some water in coolers along the way but I wouldn’t depend on that.