Hi all,
I grew up in San Diego County (Vista, which is right next to Oceanside) and now live in the San Diego City area. I’m working through the 16 week big mountain plan and previously put together my own training plans using TFtNA so am familiar with the difficulties of finding suitable weighted ME trails.
There are only two trails that I’ve been able to find within an hour of San Diego for weighted ME neither are perfect though:
The South Ridge of El Cajon: has a pretty sustained grade in the mid 20% for 1500′ vertical, but has sections of 3rd/4th class which makes it difficult with a really heavy pack. Also, it gets really hot and has no shade.
Viejas Mountain South approach: Starts off with sustained grade in the mid 20%, but eases off to flatter terrain after 900′ of elevation gain. After a 1/4 mile it continues at a reduced grade ~17% for another 900′ of gain. Also really hot and no shade.
What I’ve been doing once a week is driving up to Mt Baldy which is about 2.5 hours away (drive up has traffic, drive back is usually an hour and forty five minutes).
Register Ridge is the best I’ve found in Southern California for ME so far. It has a one mile approach up a gentle grade. The actual trail is mid to high 20% grade for over 2000′ of gain. It’s at elevation so cooler in temperature and has sections of tree cover for shade.
The Cuyamaca and Laguna areas are nice for trail runs, but I would take mosquito precautions right now. I was there this weekend and am covered in bites!
