One of the closest peaks was El Cajon Mountain to the west. We spent a good deal of time identifying peaks and other landmarks. We were pretty sure there should be a third somewhere, but couldn’t locate it.įrom the peak, we had a 360 degree view of eastern San Diego. We found 2 survey benchmarks – one just inside the rock shelter’s entrance, and one just outside the southern tip of the shelter. The trail followed the ridgeline for another quarter mile or so.Īn elaborate rock windbreak had been constructed at the summit. We continued on, and soon found ourselves heading uphill again.Īround 1.3 miles, we found a small overlook with a view of the Viejas Resort and Casino in the east below.įrom here, we had one more short climb to the top of a ridge.įrom the top, we could see our destination ahead. We had the trail to ourselves at this point, and once we stopped moving, we were surrounded by complete and total silence, interrupted only by the occasional buzzing of insects.

Once again, we paused for a brief rest and to admire the views. We climbed steadily up until right around the 1 mile mark. Looking up the mountainside, it was completely obscured by the thick brush. While the trail was well worn and easy to follow, it was pretty much impossible to make out except right in front of you. We were surround by a thick carpet of chaparral.

With the steep grade however, I anticipated that the downhill trek might be a little more challenging. The trail was rocky but the dirt was relatively hard-packed, so we didn’t have too much trouble with our footing while going uphill. The views had been great from the parking area, and they only improved with every step up the mountain. The grade was fairly steep, and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves pausing to catch our breath and take in our surroundings.

But with the lack of shade on this trail, hiking in the cool morning was still preferable. Since we were heading almost due east in the early morning, the sun was pretty much right in our faces. The trail began climbing immediately up the mountainside. A small break in the fence with a worn hiker icon sticker indicated our starting point. We found the trailhead across the road from the parking area. The climb is steep, but the unobstructed views along the trail and 360 degree vantage from the summit makes the effort more than worthwhile. This is not a hike for hot summer days, but makes for a fantastic early morning workout or winter excursion. The trail up the western flank of the mountain is a steep and no-nonsense affair through thick chaparral brush with zero shade. The rugged, triangular peak of Viejas Mountain rises just north of Interstate 8 in Alpine.

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