El Cajon Mountain

Location

El Cajon Mountain is one of San Diego County’s premier rock climbing destinations. It lies about 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, near the town of Lakeside. The approach to the climbing areas can be challenging, requiring a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain, making it one of the more demanding crags in the region.

Climbing

El Cajon Mountain offers some of the best granite rock climbing in Southern California, with an emphasis on multi-pitch trad and sport routes. The area is renowned for its steep faces, crack systems, and exposed climbing, providing a truly adventurous experience without leaving San Diego County. Routes range in difficulty from moderate to highly technical.

While primarily featuring sport climbing, there are a variety of traditional and fully bolted routes. The rock quality is generally excellent, featuring clean granite with friction slabs, edges, and splitter cracks. Due to its elevation and exposure, the climbing conditions can vary significantly. Cooler temperatures in the fall, winter, and spring make for the best climbing season, while summer heat can be extreme.