San Diego's Hardest Hike: El Cajon
Vložit
- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- Over the years, many of you have recommended that we hike San Diego's El Cajon, and it did not disappoint (although E definitely needed that emotional beta)! This was the perfect training hike for the upcoming Live Hard Love Hard summer hiking adventure bonanza, and we're ever grateful for our awesome viewers for never failing to find us new places to explore. Keep those suggestions coming!
#hiking #californiahiking #hikinglife
Oh cool! It's exciting to see you guys do one of my all-time favorite hikes that I've done literally a hundred times. This is the mountain that changed me from an overweight and slow couch potato to a fast and lean trail runner. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it.
That is so great to hear, and good for you! Totally see how this hike could be both addictive and life/body changing. We were actually wondering if it was runnable -- the steep parts are SO steep, and descending was kind of slippery so we were glad to have the poles. Have you ever trail run it? Adam was thinking he'd like to try at some point, but will def have to get in better uphill running shape first. ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard El Cajon Mtn is definitely runnable, although I still have to power-hike a few of the really steep uphill sections. I'm sure Adam could do it when he's ready to give it a try. It's a great workout and endorphin rush running it, but hiking it gives you more time to stop and enjoy the scenery and the wildflowers!
@@schoukri Ya that's what we were thinking -- next time we'll def try to trail run at least some of it!
We both got recommended the same video 😂
@@danielcommins1285 You're the king of El Cajon Mtn so it's not surprising to see you here in these comments 😂
There are 3 notable points regarding this hike 1) It is HOT , there are just 3 places with some shade for entire route 2) Due to rolling hills the way and down takes near the same time (6-7h round trip) 3) parking lot is locked at 6pm and you better be there or park outside.
These are all great points. We were absolutely soaked in sweat, and went through 3 liters of water each and were totally empty by the end! ❤️
Wildflowers are sprinkles of magic in the great outdoors. And their scent is sometimes even more moving than their visual beauty! 🌻
Well said! Just yesterday I was talking with someone about lilac season in May, when the scent can just fill the air -- amazing! --A
Ive stumbled on a few of these vids and i felt compelled to comment on how kind, positive and refreshing you two come across as a couple.
Thank you so much for saying that -- it's very nice to get such kind and positive feedback! ❤️
All those wild flowers 💐💐🌺
🌻💐💐 on the mountain trail,
not one 🐝 to sting Adam ! 💐
💐🌻💐🌷🌺 Must be "itchy eye" hay-fever central at certain times of the year 💐🌺🥀💐 :) 😻😺 ❤
Haha this is great stuff, John -- live hard love hard poetry!!! ❤️
Great video, as always. Big reward at the end with that view!
Thanks Miguel, and totally agree. We weren't actually expecting a full 360 like that, so it was a really pleasant surprise at the top! ❤️
You guys are awesome!
You inspire me to get out more and hike with my little dog!
Enjoy your videos!
Thanks, that is great to hear! We both grew up with dogs, and love to see them out and enjoying nature!! ❤️
The scenery is so beautiful. I want to try hiking in a place like this. My friend seems to have been blessed.
Thank you -- yes it really was beautiful, and it's such a great time to get out in this area because of all the wildflowers. You should definitely do it! ❤️
Haha I'm all about the flower as well. When I realized the iphone can ID plants when you take photos of it...I spent all last spring taking photos of all the flowers. I think learning things can be manly ;)
Wait speaking of learning things, how did I not know this iPhone feature?!? Ok, I just looked up how to do it. Next time -- assuming I have cell service of course, which is no sure thing -- I'm going to use it and call out the names of the flowers. That is a great tip -- thank you! --A
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Haha! Live hard, love flower. Enjoy the summer you two!
Love the flowers it's been a wonderful spring, and what great views from the summit! Thanks for sharing, Larry Owens
Thanks Larry! Yes this spring has been really amazing. Even the local hikes we've been doing and not filming have been consistently gorgeous with flowers the last couple of months. Love it!! ❤️
ELISE and ADAM a good morning from France. A new adventure with a rather rough hike, beautiful flowers, the sky of a clear blue, the sun, a small restaurant perched high for the "pop tarts" of ADAM, the voice of ELISE who was rare in your achievements and who accompanies again the beautiful landscapes, and here you are both in your element, « la nature ». Another beautiful video that prepares you for the climbs of this summer that I wish you many. Kisses to both of you... DAN.
ELISE et ADAM un bonjour de France. Une nouvelle aventure avec une randonnée assez rude, de superbes fleurs, le ciel d’un bleu limpide, le soleil, un petit resto haut perché pour les « pop tarts » de ADAM, la voix de ELISE qui se faisait rare dans vos réalisations et qui accompagne de nouveau les superbes paysages, et vous voilà tous les deux dans votre élément, la nature. Encore une belle vidéo qui vous prépare aux escalades de cet été que je vous souhaite nombreuses. Bises à vous deux… DAN.
Salut Dan! En seulement un mois, nous esperons gravir via ferrata a Chamonix! Nous sommes tres heureux de revenir en France bientot!
Cheers to you both for another quality video! your energy I always find uplifting so thanks for that too!
Thanks Carl! It means so much to us how much you enjoy these vids, and can't wait to bring you lots of big Alps and Dolomites adventures this summer! ❤️
That looked awesome and is now on my list! Thanks for sharing and the flowers looked pretty cool too 🙂
Excellent! Very glad you added it to the list -- you will not regret it, especially now with all the flowers. But just make sure to take a LOT of water -- we couldn't believe how much we were sweating on this hike! ❤️
Loved it, as always. Love the dynamics and really loved the concept / idea of emotional Beta. So key and critical I think. Hope all is well, best Paul.
Thanks Paul -- ya Adam was so proud of himself for coming up with emotional beta. He's already started using it in other situations where he thinks I might be moody about something 😂 --E
@@LiveHardxLoveHard 🤣🤣
Awesome hike and beautiful views !
Stay safe and God bless 💕
Thanks very much -- it really was a lovely trek. God bless you too! ❤️
Nice! One of my regular home turf hikes :) I did ECM with a hiking group about a month ago and yeah, the wildflowers up there are really nice this year. It's a great training hike for some of the harder SD County hikes. I loved the views of the marine layer you got from up there. I live near the coast and don't think I've seen the sun at all this week :P I'm heading up to some off-trail routes on SanJac this weekend. Your videos always get me pumped to get out there. Love the new song! Thanks!
Thanks Matt! I think you might have been one of the people who recommended this to us as a training hike at some point, and you were definitely right. It's a great way to get some super steep vertical hiking in without any danger (other than slipping and landing on your butt coming down 😂). Awesome that you're going to San J -- have fun, and let us know how the snow is up there! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Did three Tahquitz peaks (Grey, Red, and South). Mostly on the PCT, but all the peaks are off-trail. Lots of blown down trees on and off trail. North and shaded slopes still have significant snow and the PCT itself requires traversing a bunch of snow hillocks and can be difficult to find at times. It was soft enough to carve footholds with boots and though poles with snow baskets were critical, we only wore spikes on the (omg so) steep section going up the north side of the Grey Tahquitz ridge. I brought two extra pairs of socks, but never changed them. Lots of water to filter. It was a great, difficult hike (~17 miles depending on route) with incredible views.
I was sad you didn't show clips of Adam complaining about losing vertical on all those up-and-down sections of the El Cajon hike :)
@@matt_w Nice job, Matt! SO hard to climb challenging stuff and be constantly navigating. And don't worry, we have Adam complaining about giving up vertical this week on our Mammoth snowshoe! ❤
Apart from the physical benefits, one of my top reasons for hiking or running in nature is to see all the natural beauty (and taking in the sounds and smells as well). Sometimes I have lost track of how far I have gone because I got distracted by seeing everything around me
I totally relate to that. My parents used to worry when I was a kid, because I'd wander away from our cabin and just keep going and going because it was all so fascinating. Sometimes I'd be gone for hours, and it's still pretty much the same way! --A
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I would disappear and then re-appear at dusk when it was time for dinner.
El Cajon is definitely a San Diego classic, plus it’s a P1K to boot. For more rocky mischief, try Mt Woodson…
That's a great recommendation, and we def want to do that one too at some point from the Blue Sky approach! ❤️
I'm with you on the wildflowers, Adam. Always great to see you in your happy place, and the banter is world class. Love you
Thanks Bob! We're in Bishop right now, going on an epic snowshoe tomorrow. E right next to me doing Duolingo -- says "I'm surrounded by lambs who love their flowers." ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Have fun!
Dandellions may be edible, but what I remember from my childhood adventures, they are so bitter, that I would have to be in a really precarious situation to start feasting on them... So, the camomile tea definitely does not contain any dandellions...
Wow, Elise, didn't know you are into genetics. Quite an addon to climbing and song compositing (and performing)!
Thank you! Yes I've been interested in genetics ever since high school, so it was pretty much my dream job. We did try dandelion greens a couple times after this adventure, and they're pretty tasty. But the flower itself I think I'll pass on! ❤ --E
definitely the hardest hike in San Diego. I have done a trail guide for this before and have done this trail a few times now... kicks my ass every time. It's uphill both ways! : P
Haha exactly, well put -- uphill both ways 😂. So great that they started putting water out for it in the summer! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard agreed! happy hiking : )
You can eat all parts of the dandelion, except the seed head. Flower, stalk, leaves, and roots; are quite tasty 😃👍
Yes! That was one of the coolest things we learned posting about this, and have recently been putting the greens in some of our salads!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard it's good with some lemon juice and salt.
This one looks pretty good, PS I'm on Elise's team here, views are better than flowers haha
And yes I checked about eating dandelions, who would have figured but that's good to know if you are starving or get the munchies along the trail haha
Yes! The flowers are beautiful, but let's face it -- you could grow them in a greenhouse, whereas great summit views can only be earned through extreme effort! But to be fair, the flowers were really lovely in person. ❤️ --E
Nice little vid! Great views! Never did that in my time in Cali. Elise, I love the new song!
Thanks Jeff! Glad you like the song, and very excited to share some of the other new ones with you. We have a really epic one we did during all the rains this winter, but need a really epic climb to introduce it on! ❤️
This is fun! Looks like a great training hike and am so jealous that we don't have anything like that around where I live. Looking forward to seeing your summer adventures!!
Thanks Dan -- can't wait to share the summer adventures with you! Our tickets are already booked for the Alps and Dolomites -- now we just need to get our butts in great shape over the next month and then get over there and crush it!! ❤️
If you look back, I mean way back in livehardxlovehard vlogs will find scores of unshared emotional beta for poor adorable Elise. Just look at some of her skeptical faces! 😀Elise! does Adam hold his little finger up when drinking is chamomile tea? 🤣 Great hike guys! Brave of you Elise to take on one of Adams sketchy spots like that. You looked beautiful up there! 🤗❤️
Haha thanks Larry! Ya I've definitely been getting more confident in some of those vertiginous places. Adam actually drinks his tea out of a massive mug -- I think it's 32 ounces -- so he more wraps it with two hands than sticks a pinky out. But even if it's a manly sized mug, I mean, it's still tea 😂❤️ --E
@@LiveHardxLoveHard your to funny! So glad you have each other! Just don’t be risking my Jellybean to one up Adam please!!! ☺️
@@larrywheeler9797 Deal! ❤
So awesome! My husband and I planned on doing this one and was curious on the beta! Which you provided the technical and the emotional for us now 🤣
Haha yes! And one other thing we also probably should have stressed, though you could probably tell from how drenched we were with sweat: bring a LOT of water. We went through about 3 liters each and were completely on empty by the time we got back to the car! ❤️
From what I understand, steer clear in the Summer as it gets dangerously hot.
@@LiveHardxLoveHard thanks for the heads up! I really appreciate it!
Good to see you both out again on an exciting route. You're both very adventurous, but I like that Adam is also a big softie😅
Haha thanks Martin -- ya I tease him about it but I'm glad he's a softie too. Lots more excitement coming up this summer once we hit the Alps -- we're just getting warmed up! ❤️ --E
I watched the whole video all the way through after midnight last night. Great Entertainment! That looked like good exercise!
Thanks -- yes it was really great exercise! There were long super steep stretches, which really emulates some of the vertical parts of mountaineering but without the same dangers. Great training hike, and with flowers! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Thanks!
Our family is doing Mt Fuji Japan in July so we need to do some hard hikes in June. Thanks for posting! I have no idea how you popped into my feed 😂
So glad you found us! We have lots of videos on hiking training that might help for Fuji. Hope you have a great time on it -- that's definitely a hike that's on our bucket list as well! ❤
@@LiveHardxLoveHard sweet! I’ll do a search for other videos
Great video
Thanks very much -- this is a great hike any time, but we especially recommend it during spring wildflower season! ❤️
Thumbnail is absolutely majestic, what a unique and picturesque trail guys! 🔥⛰️
Thanks Ervin! Yes the summit has wonderful 360 views -- you would crush it up there with your skills on a clear day!
You guys should do this section of the PCT from the Cajon pass, aka highway 15 to Wrightwood. Maybe not in the summer. I think it's 22-24 miles maybe 5k elevation gain. Lots of ups and downs for the first few miles, then all uphill. Apparently, some spots have over a 60% grade. Just what I could find online via all trails. Though this section of the hike isn't listed. The whole section is, Auga Dulce, 105 miles section D. I did 8 in and 8 back. Not the whole part yet to Wrightwood. The scenery is gorgeous btw. I think it's at least 12 or more to the tree line. It's mostly desert at first. Something to consider with the heat.
This is a great idea!-- thank you!! We will do this -- maybe even this winter when it's cooler!!❤️
Thanks for the singing. I wonder how you record your vocals. I would not think your apartment would be an ideal place.
You are totally right! I have a pretty good Rode microphone that helps a lot, but it's not an ideal recording situation by any means! ❤️
That is a gorgeous Lilac tree (I think)! We had one up against our house in suburban NJ when I was growing up :)
And it's always been apparent to me that Adam is a SNAG (sensitive new-age guy ;)
And wow, Elise, has it been a while since we heard you on the soundtrack? The new tune is great!
Haha he is a SNAG for sure 😂. Super happy you like the song, and just wait -- we have a really epic new song recorded, but are waiting for just the right epic hike to introduce it on!! ❤️ --E
You were in my backyard!!! You guys are the best!!!
Awesome!! If we'd known you were down there we would have asked you to come along! Fun hike, but SO sweaty -- we still feel thirsty from it!! ❤️
Fabulous hike, wildflowers and views like crazy! But a genetics conference, Elise? Yet another hidden talent?! Thanks for an inspiring video!
Yes Steven, I am a genetic counselor by profession when not adventuring or moonlighting as a singer/songwriter! ❤️ --E
@@LiveHardxLoveHardI had no idea you were a GC! I can totally see it now though. I've been watching your videos for years and this makes me appreciate you even more- I graduate with my MSGC this spring 💖
@@giraffes85799 Wow that is so exciting! It's such a rewarding and interesting thing to study and practice -- very happy for you! ❤
My part of SoCal these days - it’s like the Rolling Rock Hoppers brought their tour to my town. Only wish I had a backstage pass.
Haha ok next time we come down to SD, we'll def announce it on channel messages beforehand so you SD folks can join in if you want -- we really enjoyed it down there! ❤️
Now three sisters falls!! The only hike I know of where you’re rewarded going down the mountain then gotta climb back out of it.
Good call -- we definitely need to do that one! And speaking of waterfalls, we've got an even bolder waterfall hike planned for this coming weekend --at 10,000 feet elevation! -- if we're able to pull it off ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Beware poison oak at Three Sisters! I got it on my foot... inside my shoes... which means that I got it from in the river when I took my shoes off. That's just mean!!!
3 sisters waterfall is the hardest in sd imo. Love your guys vids, keep it up!
Thanks Alan! That's the second recommendation we've gotten for 3 Sisters and every time we take you guys' advice it ends up great, so 3 Sisters is definitely going to happen at some point! ❤️
You can eat all parts of a dandelion except the stem. Most people use the green leaves in salad and some people make wine from the flowers.
Sounds nasty, have you tried the wine or leaves?
Thanks Gary -- that's the kind of information we need around here! And apparently the leaves are super healthy, right? Like way healthier than the spinach Adam eats every day 😀
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I don't know how healthy they are, but we did use the leaves in salads when I was growing up in Wisconsin. Those thing were EVERYWHERE.
Was doing it once but too late a start so did part of it, not all of it. Still on the list and thanks for the video!
You were probably wise to not try the whole thing in the full heat, Mike! We got a slightly late start ourselves and were sweating up a storm -- it is an incredibly dehydrating hike!! ❤️
Seen El Cajon from a distance, beautiful view
Yes Andrea! Given that it's not super tall, we were pleasantly surprised by how fantastic the 360 degree view was -- it felt like we could see forever! ❤️
Billy Lakeside Ortiz...the man, the myth, the legend!!
Haha we're only just now hearing about him, Dan! ❤️
Another beautiful Mtn knocked off! Glad to see you checked out San Diego. Been wanting to get in some hikes in that area. Ever explore in the Palm Springs area? Tom
Yes! We have some really interesting ones over there you might want to check out, including the Slot Canyons, Rabbit Peak (a sufferfest), and of course Cactus to Clouds (another sufferfest, but totally worth it). Plus several in Joshua tree, and a thriller on Indian Head Peak in Anza Borrego! ❤️
Very cool and i’m only 30 secs in 🔥🔥🔥
Yes! Those wildflowers on this one were the best! Not as thick as on our superbloom hike, but even more amazing variety. ❤️
Two places you have to see Adam are the Texas wildflowers around end of March and mountain laurel and rhododendron in NC mountains around end of May - this year they were both fabulous
Oh heck yes -- great recommendations Rick. I'm all in on both, and we'll make sure to video them when we go! And speaking of great regional blooms, I've got one for you in return -- lilac season in Minnesota in late May. Absolutely unbelievable. --A
Great video !!! Great job !!!
Thanks so much -- very glad we finally got down for this SD classic, especially with all the flowers blooming! ❤️
You guys 😅😂🌸 Yes you can eat a dandelion with no worries, (not the seed head as that would just be gross) and chamomile is not a dandelion but it is from the same family, Asteraceae. 😊
Thank you -- one of the best things about this channel is that you guys are always teaching us stuff, and now we just basically ask questions on videos when we don't know and you always have the answers! Long story short, we're now adding dandelion greens to our salads! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I love that you ask, you’re both so non-pretentious 🥰 That’s great as they are packed with nutrients 🌱 Enjoy 😘
Wild flower heaven.glourious area.beauiful .
Yes David! It was really amazing, and pretty sure it's not always that flowery -- very special this year thanks to all the rain. ❤️
if you boil them dandelions are similar to spinach we used to do that in Boy Scouts when I was young on camp outs
That is awesome! We're for sure going to pick up some dandelion greens for salads this week, and maybe will try the boiling as well! ❤️
Dandelion is not only edible, it is grown on farms to be eaten as a green, much like spinach. It has a slight bitter taste, and is very popular among Italians. It is delicious both cooked and raw. Because of all the herbicide spraying in suburbia, it is actually quite hard to find wild dandelion in urban areas. Camomile is a completely different plant with a flower. It is the buds that are used to make tea. Maybe you could also find wild thyme and sage in the area you are hiking.
Thank you, that is great info! We have bought dandelion greens a couple of times since this adventure, and really enjoy eating them as part of a salad. ❤
I’m with Adam. I love wildflower season!
Yes Dalia! And this year's is the best one I've ever seen. I'm doing basically all my cardio exercise up in the canyons right now even during the week, just to be around all the flowers before they're gone. ❤️ --A
Yes, dandelion tea - camomile tea! Great tasting!
Yes! Chamomile is the best -- so relaxing and hydrating, in addition to pure deliciousness. --A
Try making Dandelion Wine. Honey+water+yeast+citrus+blossoms. It's fermented tea.
That sounds absolutely amazing -- okay we are in!! ❤️
Brilliant 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thanks Edu! We really liked it down in San Diego and will for sure go back. ❤️
Beautiful Hike 👍
Thanks so much! Yes it really was pretty up there -- we were pleasantly surprised by the lovely views from the top, and will definitely be using this again as a training hike. ❤️
Wow, I have to try this hike! Quintessential Southern California scenery. Reminds me why I love California so much. Adam, I am totally with you about wildflowers. I have a hard time resisting snapping photos and posting on Instagram. This year has been spectacular as you know, one of the best. Earlier this week I was running on the PCT near Wrightwood and picked a handful of lupines and took them home. Real men love wildflowers.
100% true, David! It just means we're fully secure in our masculinity, and a guy who's trailrunning PCT at over 6000 feet doesn't need to apologize to anyone for picking some flowers! Inspiration!! --A
During the "great depression" in the US, former generations ate dandelion salad and clovers.
That is some good info right there -- love American resilience! Since this hike we have had some dandelion greens in our salads a few times, and really like them. ❤️
Spring is definitely here and a great opportunity for Adam & Elise to take us on the El Cajon Mt. hike.
This is not an easy hike in fact, there’s a 4k foot elevation gain, about 11 miles round trip and a very important decision by Elise on wether or not she’d eat a dandelion.
And to take their minds off of the task at hand they’re stopping to check out the newest blooms of spring wildflowers and the magnificent vistas.
This particular area may not have had the Super Bloom but, the wildflowers were still blooming and still beautiful!
The only question left to unanswered was, did Elise try to add the dandelion to a salad or use the roots to make tea?
Haha awesome write-up as always, Frans, and the answer to the unanswered question is yes -- we're putting dandelion greens into our salads all this week! ❤️ --E
You can buy dandelion greens at the grocery store occasionally.
We are definitely on this! That whole hike and conversation got us psyched about dandelion greens!! ❤️
Great video as usual!
Dandelions are indeed edible, they are natural liver cleansers and increase urine. My sister, who is a biochemist, makes a tincture of it that helps with my fibromyalgia induced migraines and a bad reaction I had to the covid vaccine.
Great stuff, Carl -- and what a cool sister you have! We've been hearing great things about dandelion tea, probably for some of the same reasons. ❤️
Beautiful hike! Thank you for taking us along. Can you confirm less crowded than many other hikes? Thank you!
It was our pleasure to take you! Truth be told, we thought the hike was a little bit crowded, but to be fair we're used to being out in the wild practically all alone. Also, we started kind of late because we were driving down from Costa Mesa, so it would probably be a lot less crowded (and cooler!) if you started at dawn. ❤️
I thought the purple tree was awesome :) Real cool rock out-croppings there at the top. I prefer the hiking talk beta to the financial talk beta, but good luck w that YT site (I still watch both...)
Thanks Christine! Ya we'll never give up on hiking and adventuring -- that will always be our number one passion. But it has been really nice to have a YT project we can do on those weeks when we can't get out into the wild. Hopefully the two will be nice complements to one another in the years to come! ❤️
So pretty to go hiking in California in the spring!! 🌻🌸🪻🌼🌷 so dandelion tea and chamomile tee are two different things - i drink chamomile often before bed! It’s good for sleep. Dandelion root tea is believed to help detox the liver and has a bunch of other benefits! I’ve made it before and it’s tasty 😋
Lots of love to you two!! ❤
Haha we should have known you'd have all the great food beta, Arielle! I love chamomile, but after all this dandelion discussion I need to try that as well! ❤️ --A
Growing up, my mother would make dandelion salads. Granted its an acquired taste!
That is awesome -- it probably made you strong and healthy! We've just been learning from you guys that dandelion greens are basically a superfood, so now they're going in our salads as well! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard definitely worth a try!!! Its good and very healthy
Please also try the South Ridge of El Cajon. It’s the same mountain but you take the south ridge instead! It’s a class 3 low class 4 at times. I feel like it would be perfect for you guys; I was too scared 3/4 way up and went down.
Let me know if you guys need directions. I can give the coords and some of the betas!
We were going to do that route, but then we read that it's no longer allowed! Of course we're generally ok with skirting the rules to get in a great hike -- the wilderness belongs to all of us, after all -- but we try to make sure we're fully legal whenever we do a video. Definitely want to try that route though -- it sounds awesome! ❤️
Most lhxlh hikes: excitement, jokes, views
This Hardest hike: out of breath random thoughts, lol, really felt like we were there with you
Haha thanks Sam -- yes Adam was pretty relaxed but I was especially out of breath on this one. It was definitely good training for what we've got coming up this summer! ❤️ --E
❤
Glad you enjoyed -- cannot go wrong with a hike in SoCal wildflower season! ❤️
Nice lovely hike
Glad you enjoyed! Ya it really was a pretty one -- winter was a bummer but the spring flowers have really made all the rains pay off. ❤️
Chamomile and dandelions are from the same family, but different species. Both teas are delicious!
That's good info -- thank you! I think I have a Chamomile-Dandelion tea that combines the two, so maybe just made it into a single thing in my head. But it really is delicious!! --A
"Mountaineering season is coming." i met a hiker once at Bishop Pass who said the mountains are easier to climb with snow on them. just grab your crampons and go. less rock scrambling. nice video.
Haha you are right! Really what we should have said was, we're going on a giant mountaineering trip in the Alps in a month and want to be in shape for it. But per your advice, we are def gonna break out the snowshoes and crampons for some Sierra action first! ❤️
You guys are very funny 😝😝
Thank you -- we really do enjoy this kind of hike sometimes, where we can laugh and goof around a bit without worrying about falling to our doom! ❤️
So great to be back, you guys are awesome! ( Do I say this every time? )
Haha it never gets old 😂 Thank you! ❤️
That was cool 🤙
Thanks! We were really surprised by how great the views were from the top -- will definitely do this one again! ❤️
Great hike! Chamomile flowers are daisies. Definitely not dandelions. Although as some have pointed out, dandelion tea is a thing for some.
Thanks! Daisies, that's good to know. So basically, both daisies and dandelions are often edible. We gotta get some flower cuisine going. ❤️
Awesome video!
You both Rock!
Thanks Dave! It's getting hot out here!!! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I see that!
I'm going on a bike trip with a buddy on June 3. Luce Line trail 63 miles or so each way 2 days camping near Cosmos MN
We will tent the 1st day and take our and drink a few beers... I'm not a heavy drinker but my buddy like to lay em down lol
@@davidolson558 Awesome! Have fun!!! ❤
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I sure will, thanks!!! It's gonna be awesome!!!
Dandelions ARE completely edible! And they're loaded with nutrients 😁😁
Yes we heard that the greens are especially good for you, so might try incorporating them into some salads or something! ❤️
Beautiful ❤
Thanks much -- yes we'd never been to this area, and were very impressed with both the beautiful flowers and the beautiful views. Definitely recommend this hike! ❤️
💝
💝
I was sad nobody broke uphill through brush off trail. In German super pants and cowboy boots with cleats.
Haha maybe we'll have to do it! ❤️
Fantastic !!!! 🙂
Thanks Petr! Happy we could show you more of wildflower season!! ❤️
Yes Thomas! And it is totally trail-runnable as well, except for a few ultra-steep parts. ❤️
After years of watching your wonderful adventurous videos, I have one thing that has preoccupied my mind on every one of them: How can Adam eat Pop Tarts that aren’t right out of the toaster? Now I feel better getting that off my chest.
Haha I agree they are better out of the toaster, Monte, but as a kid we used to go camping and only have a fire at night. My parents would give me Pop Tarts right out of the box for breakfast and I loved them! Now all these years later, it still seems totally normal to me -- and of course takes me back to those early childhood days in the woods! --A
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
Glad you saw this one -- we had so much fun down there!! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard i did El Cajon yesterday it was challenging with a crowd trail but are y’all done El Capitan trail?
@@nomada6789 Not yet, but looking forward to doing it!
Nice video guys, great spot! Is that the place where a bunch of people die usually in winter when there is snow?
I don't think this one's high enough for snow Steve -- even though the elevation gain on the hike is 4000 feet that comes from a lot of up and down, so the summit itself is only 3000 and something. The SoCal one where people keep dying in the snow is Mt. Baldy -- so many tragedies up there the last few years. ❤️
Cactus to clouds vs El Cajon ? Were pondering 🤔
C2C is a little more than twice as hard, so if you are training for C2C you could work up to doing El Cajon twice in a day and that would do a good job at getting you physically prepared. We've also done C2C2C, but don't recommend it because the last 8,000 feet down are absolutely brutal when you're already pretty wrecked. Better to just take the tram down after C2C! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I saw it , very brave! I would definitely be taking the tram 😅 even with just the tram back you’d think it would be twice as tough ?
@@spazchicken1 Well it's twice as long -- 21 miles vs 11 miles -- and a lot more elevation gain -- 10,000 vs 3,500. I don't think it feels twice as hard, because you start super early and are just so stoked that you're doing C2C, but the metrics do say that it's at least twice as hard.
Next time scramble up to the peak of El Cajon Mtn. from El Monte Park. It’s a lot shorter, kinda steep, but doable. Lots ‘o Fun.
We wanted to do that but everything we read said it’s now illegal! Is that not true?
@@LiveHardxLoveHard
It may or may not be. I don’t know why not…
Me and a buddy used to do it all the time in the 70s. Anyway, murder and shoplifting are practically legal now. I wouldn’t worry about it. Sheriffs have better things to do.
The difference of your demeanor from death hike 2023 to this is readily evident.
But it is the hard ones that make you mentally tough and appreciate the ones that go smoothly.
Clouds were perfect. Brush mere observers of your toil not demonic clinging tripping sticking prickly adversaries.
Haha that's very well said, Dan -- doing the super hard stuff really does make the medium-challenging stuff feel like pure pleasure! ❤
Absolutely lovely Elise, but 4000 feet must be a little hard on all body... Tell me do you get back home after this or you relax and sleep in San Diego with a relaxing bath and else.. 😘👌❤
For sure, Serge -- I was definitely sore after this one, especially from all the steep downs where I slipped at least 3 or 4 times! But still, totally worth it for those views from the top!! ❤️ --E
6:10 cool but scary
Ya it was really cool up there with the 360 views, and fortunately scary is always relative -- it was definitely a place you wouldn't want to fall, but was so easy to climb up and down that we weren't too worried. Nothing like coming down from the Galena San G traverse or when we got into the wrong chute on Cloudripper, that's for sure! ❤️
This is actually not the hardest trail in San Diego. The hardest one is El Cajon South Ridge.
That is great info, Mike! Next time we take the ridge!! ❤️
Question: what is “the beta”?
Beta is information about the route you're going to do, Maria. The term started with rock climbers watching Betamax video to figure out what moves to use to get up a hard route, but now all kinds of adventurers use it to mean any type of info about the route they want to do -- written, video, or even verbal. ❤️
Recon/info...
No rattlesnakes? Gosh...you two have to stumble across a rattlesnake at some point.
Ya we've seen a few rattlers in the past, and kind of surprised we haven't seen one yet this year -- we're definitely overdue! ❤️
Mountain lions have been spotted on this trail in the past. Rattlesnakes for sure.
Camomiles are a different plant
Ya we just learned they are daisies!
Like all things in San Diego, it's allllllmost as good as the hikes in LA but not quite LOL. I've heard SD people compare this to San Gorgonio smh!
Haha it was definitely challenging with the steepness, but the big difference between it and Baldy, San G, etc, is the altitude. Much easier to climb up and down steep ridges at 3000 feet than it is at 10 or 11 thousand! ❤️
What undergraduate degree did Elise get? I am going to college for nursing, but a genetic counselor sounds fun. Do you also have go and get a master degree for it?
Yes that's exactly right -- I got a psychobiology degree in undergrad, and then a Master's degree in genetic counseling. But I gotta say, I've often been really envious of nurses because you guys can be so portable with your jobs, and just work for part of the year if you want to, which would be pretty ideal for our lifestyle. So I think you can't go wrong with either, but don't discount the awesome flexibility of nursing for building a great life! ❤️ --E
Oh, I see, come to San Diego and don’t tell me!! :-(
Haha you're right John, we def should have told you we were doing an SD strike mission! But not sure how much you would have loved the late starting time on this one because we caught some brutal heat! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Did Potato Chip Rock (considerably easier than El Cajon Mountain, but still pretty damn vertical) on Mother's Day with my wife and we miscalculated our start time... the marine layer cleared and the heat damn near killed us. 6 AM starts from now on!
@@JohnHMoore Ya we were drenched in sweat by an hour into the hike -- lesson learned!
Im one guys
Glad you're on it!
This is not hard hike at all. It's just steep with ups and downs and compared to what you two have done this is a piece of cake. I disagree with my hometown San Diego this is no way this is the hardest hike in San Diego County. There are much harder ones in the desert and mountains. El Cajon Mountain does have some interesting side trails, there is an old mine trail I've been on up there before. I agree with Adam spring is pretty and I love the wild flowers too. There are so many varities and each one uniqie in its beauty. I heard the tea conversation: Chamomile Tea is made out of chamomile flowers and dandelion tea is made out of dandelions. 😀😅🙂
You gotta tell us the harder ones! Everyone said this was the toughest up until you get to Anza Borrego, and then of course it's Rabbit Peak but we've already done that one. But we loved visiting SD, so would def go back down for a really tough one! ❤️
You didn't hike "El Cajon." That's the city. It's Cajon Mountain, aka El Capitan. And maybe research edible plants before blasting it all over youtube.
We're lucky to have a bunch of really smart and nice subscribers, so any time we have a question or get something wrong they give us the info and a smile. Have a great day!