Distance: 11.2 miles round trip on trail
Summit Elevation: 3679'
Elevation Gain: 3722'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 3.0
Round trip time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Recommended water: 64 oz.
Parking/Fees: Free at parking lot on Wildcat Canyon Road
Difficulty: Strenuous
El Cajon has become my standard winter endurance trainer. It's rare that I repeat routes on the same mountain, but this was my fifth visit to El Cajon and second summit without adding any side peaks (Silverdome, Silverdome II, El Capitan). It was an ideal trainer, getting my legs and feet adjusted to longer routes for spring and summer. The day started on the cool side with low clouds and high humidity. Within a couple of miles, I was a pool of dripping sweat. There were few parties on the trail. I passed two women with a dog wearing goggles. They told me the goggles were to protect his eyes from the branches of the low brush. I eyed Silverdome as a possible bonus on the way back, but decided to skip it for a jump on traffic. About half way, I passed a young lady who had turned around at the stop sign. I pointed her in the right direction. The park set up the sign to warn hikers to turn around if it was noon or later. Multiple signs actively discourage people from going to the top since a lot of rescues happen in the summer months.
I maintained a steady but unhurried pace. The burned out Jeep was still there and the trail had not changed much. I stopped at the final turn toward the summit for water and a Pro Bar when the lady I met at the half way sign passed me. I suspected she might have turned back. She told me her name was Giovanna and that she paid $50 to Uber to the trailhead and would not be denied. She reached the summit before me, leaving a small bruise on my ego. By late morning, the clouds had burned away, so the views were excellent. I was on the summit for less than 10 minutes, time enough for photos and a waypoint. The loose wooden sign was missing from last year, but the benchmark was still intact. The crowded register box was also missing. I had a brief chat with Giovanna, who was quite taken with the bouldery views. She said her plan was to move to San Diego from Philadelphia next year. I told her Leisa and I had moved to SoCal 20 years ago from Michigan and never regretted it. I wished her luck and started my descent. I met two other parties on their way up, but overall, there were few hikers on the mountain. My knees welcomed a break from the rough desert scrambling of late. I suspect I'll be back next year for round 6.
