Viejas Mountain

Overview

Viejas Mountain is a monster. It’s not a monster like El Cajon Mountain, which requires you to climb up and down and then back up and down again some more before it grudgingly gives up its stunning summit views. And, it’s not a monster like the Agua Tibia Loop, which assaults your poor knees and feet with endless miles before revealing its own stellar views. Viejas Mountain is a mini-monster, and it is far more challenging than its modest length implies. El Cajon Mountain This hike is a beast (beastlet?) for the following reasons: first, the entirety of this hike occurs on a south-facing slope with absolutely no cover. Second, the grade of the trail is extremely steep, and even seasoned hikers will fight to keep oxygen in their lungs. Third, the trail is a rugged, unmaintained route kept alive by hikers despite being rocky, slippery, and unrelenting. Finally, you will gain an average of 1,000′ per mile, which is usually when hikers begin saying “You have GOT to be kidding me!” Corte Madera Mountain on the left and Los Pinos on the right With all of those knocks against this trail, you might be wondering why Modern Hiker is presenting and even recommending this hike. In addition to the above details, this is not a trail to hike when it is warm outside, as heat and sun exposure could set the stage for a very bad time. Moreover, this is not a trail to hike when the atmosphere is anything less than crystal clear, as the principal reward on this hike is the view. So why? Cuyamaca Peak The “why” lies in the fact that the views from the summit of Viejas Mountain are nothing short of breathtaking. From the top, you can survey an unobstructed 360 degree panorama that includes nearly every major geographic feature west of the Peninsular Ranges. One can see 50 miles into Northern Mexico while also glimpsing the snow-capped summits of Mt. Baldy, Mt. San Jacinto, and Mt. San Gorgonio. The southern Channel Islands will rise up out of the cobalt blue arc of the ocean, while every major and minor peak from Cuyamaca to Point Lo

Trail Stats

Photos

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Trail photo

No caption provided.

Tags