El cajon mountain 2 - february 16, 2023

It had been nearly 6 years since i had tackled the "toughest hike in san diego county", and it was everything that I remembered. although it is only a 10.6 miles round trip hike, the significant ascents and descents--in both directions--make this a very challenging task.  The last one-half mile to the summit, very steep and rocky (with large boulders), is brutal.  The views from the top are amazing, and it was a perfect day for hiking--mid-50s with relatively light winds.  our significant rainfall this winter had everything looking lush and green.