Home › California › Lakeside › El Capitan County Preserve
El Capitan County Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 114 Google reviews · Running trail in Lakeside, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 11 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from El Capitan County Preserve'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.
Nature preserve offering hiking trails with views that vary in difficulty.
What runners say about El Capitan County Preserve
“The trail is clean although I did find two unopened plastic water bottles behind a rock – someone’s emergency stash?”
“This is a beautiful hike but pretty difficult.”
“Very clear trail with mile markers and multiple markers to get from mile 5 to the summit.”
All the footprints in the dirt say the trail at El Capitan County Preserve is popular. Fortunately for me, a trip to the preserve on a weekday morning was the right time to hike without the crowd – I encountered only five other people during my 4-hour hike.
The trailhead for the Elcajon Mountain hike. No joke, when everyone says this is one of the most challenging hikes in San Diego, they are right. Super steep in many areas, ascending and descending in both directions, will threaten to zap all your energy on the way back.
This is a beautiful hike but pretty difficult. It's quite steep most of the way up. I recommend doing this hike in the winter time when it's greener and the weather is cooler. And I recommend getting an early start.
Well maintained county trail. High sun exposer with great views. I have hiked this trail many times, I did it this week with a 20lb pack as I am training for a trip. Start early to beat the heat, like no later than 6am. I suggest a sun hoodie and electrolytes. Always remember, ”it’s uphill both ways..”
Trail conditions & character
“Bring more water than you expect to drink because it’s a grueling experience with breathtaking views.”
“There were very few areas where trees and shrubs blocked the sun and if you hike early in the day the hills and mountains will provide more shade.”
“The trail starts one-half mile from the parking lot and is a dirt path that eventually turns into a wide dirt, gravel, and rock trail.”
“I hiked the El Capitan Trail, the preserve’s 6-mile out and back trail to the halfway point before turning around.”
“The trail starts one-half mile from the parking lot and is a dirt path that eventually turns into a wide dirt, gravel, and rock trail.”
“The trailhead area has a picnic table and restrooms.”
“Very clear trail with mile markers and multiple markers to get from mile 5 to the summit.”
“The trail starts one-half mile from the parking lot and is a dirt path that eventually turns into a wide dirt, gravel, and rock trail.”
“You are either traveling uphill or down with very little flat hiking.”
Plan your run at El Capitan County Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance11 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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
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.
El Cajon Mountain / El Capitan Preserve Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
El Monte County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 467 reviews
County park offering a playground, trails, and facilities for ball games, picnicking, and horseshoes.
San Diego River Park Trail, El Monte Valley
4.7 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
Crestridge Ecological Reserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 124 reviews
Preserved space with trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding, plus abundant wildlife.
Sycamore Canyon Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
This scenic trail offers a looped track & takes hikers through some wild land & a waterfall.