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El Cajon Mountain / El Capitan Preserve Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Running trail in Lakeside, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 11 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from El Cajon Mountain / El Capitan Preserve Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about El Cajon Mountain / El Capitan Preserve Trailhead
“Please bring at least three bottles of water, you will see some water in the mountains, from the top you will see 360 degree view do beautiful east west north and south.”
“Very little shade so start early and pack more water than you think you'll need.”
The more difficult a hike is the more rewarding it is at the top. That’s what I’ve experienced here today! Amazing views! If you’re still reading make sure to bring lots of water, there are watering stations placed by the parks and recreation crew but only about half way, the trail has some shade but this only lasts…
Love running up here, been running up here 20yrs bring a gallon of water if your not running marathons under 4hrs it has alot of strenuous ascent and the heat is a killer, good grippy shoes ,I slip all the time. 2/1/26
This is a challenging, but rewarding hike for the accomplishment. It's an up and down both ways trail. I'm 59 in good shape and it was my first time. It was a 6 hour trek in and out. It's not what I would call a fun hike, but you definitely feel accomplished after completing it.
This is the best hike in San Diego. You feel like you are in roller coaster. It is considered one of the hardest hike in San Diego. Please bring at least three bottles of water, you will see some water in the mountains, from the top you will see 360 degree view do beautiful east west north and south.parking is.
Trail conditions & character
“Please bring at least three bottles of water, you will see some water in the mountains, from the top you will see 360 degree view do beautiful east west north and south.”
“There are some steep areas and you will need to be able to climb up and over some rocky areas.”
“Be prepared for steep climbs even on the way back to parking lot.”
“Very little shade so start early and pack more water than you think you'll need.”
“5.5 miles to reach top El Cajon Mountain, had to stop rest drink water multiple times.”
“There are some steep areas and you will need to be able to climb up and over some rocky areas.”
Plan your run at El Cajon Mountain / El Capitan Preserve Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance11 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesdparks.org
- Phone(619) 561-0580
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Lakeside
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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