This Memorial Day weekend, the San Diego community is invited to test their endurance on one the county’s most demanding trails during the 10th annual Warrior Hike Challenge on Saturday, May 24.
The free event, held at El Capitan County Preserve in Lakeside, celebrates the physical and mental resilience required to complete the El Cajon Mountain trail, a popular route among active-duty military members and veterans.
Participants can choose from multiple hiking distances, with “celebration stations” positioned at the 1-mile and 3-mile turnarounds points. Those seeking a greater challenge can trek the full 11-mile roundtrip to the summit.
The event begins at 7 a.m. with a flag-raising and the Pledge of Allegiance led by a local scout troop. The ceremony is hosted by Women in the Wild. Park rangers will follow with a guided stretch, safety tips and hikes to the 1-mile and 3-mile markers beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Organizers note the trail is rated moderate to difficult depending on distance, with steep inclines and minimal shade. Attendees are advised to bring sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and walking sticks or poles. Hikers attempting the summit should carry at least one gallon of water.
The Warrior Hike Challenge was launched in 2015 and is held twice a year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends. In recognition of the event’s 10th anniversary, participants will receive a commemorative challenge coin for each completed in 2025. A special champion coin will be awarded to those who complete both hikes.
All ages are welcome, and dogs are allowed on leashes. Staff will be on-site until 4 p.m. to answer questions.
The El Capitan trailhead is located at 13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road., with parking at the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and Blue Sky Ranch Road. Overflow parking is available across the street at Oakoasis Country Preserve and along Wildcat Canyon Road.
For those interested in volunteering, a volunteer form is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/WarriorHike2025.
