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| MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND | VETERANS DAY WEEKEND |
| Sat. May 24, 2025 | Sat. Nov. 8, 2025 |
Join us on Memorial Day weekend (and again on Veterans Day weekend) for a tough trail adventure designed to test the physical and mental stamina that’s required to climb what’s arguably the toughest hike in San Diego County – El Cajon Mountain in the El Capitan County Preserve.
El Capitan is popular among active and retired military personnel, so we designed an event to honor them and to make the mountain more approachable to their family and friends.
We break the hike into three levels to match different interests and abilities. Celebration Stations sit at the 1-mile and 3-mile turnaround points. Extreme hikers will push on to the summit (about 11 miles, roundtrip).
Launched in 2015, the Warrior Hike Challenges take place twice a year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends.
Events are free and there is no need to RSVP. The event is open to all ages and dogs on leash, however, we encourage all guests to consider the demands of the challenge and the heat of the unshaded trail when selecting their hiking buddies.
Attendees should bring ample water (1+ gallons for Warriors), and wear sturdy hiking boots. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a walking stick or poles are also recommended.
Healthy refreshments are available at celebration stations, including the staging area at the base of the preserve, located of Wildcat Canyon Road at 13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road in Lakeside. Park staff are always on site and along the trail to answer questions and lead groups.
For more information, contact the DPR Marketing Team at DPR.Marketing@sdcounty.ca.gov.
About El Capitan County Preserve:
El Capitan Preserve has views of three reservoirs from one location in the park. On site are roughly 8 miles of trails across 2,619 acres of open space. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset (except during the month of August, when it is closed due to extreme heat). The parking area and trailhead are located at the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and Blue Sky Ranch Road. Take Highway 67 north. Turn right at Willow Road. Turn left at Wildcat Canyon Road. Turn right at Blue Sky Ranch Road. Read the feature article by the County News Center. Or, view one hiker's trekked route on AllTrails.com.
