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Mountaineer Walls

California > San Diego County > S San Diego County > El Cajon Mountain
Warning Access Issue: Raptor Nesting Advisory DetailsDrop down

Mountaineers Wall

Between the south ridge and the wedge there are several cliffs that make up "the mountaineers wall". The mountaineers wall hosts massive variety of near 200 climbs; with classic slabs, corners, aretes, faces, cracks, & some steep overhanging climbs as well. The area is an acquired taste, as the dirt, grass, & loose rock is complimentary to the diverse quality climbing. The mountaineers wall is in season on cooler days, but unlike the wedge, there are several crags that see afternoon shade, making a half day outing well worth the hike. The free topo on climbingtoposofsandiego.com (thanks CH) is great.

The Hike In

From the quarry road, continue past the raptor nesting sign that marks the turn for approaching the wedge. Within 100' or so there is another trail that branches off from the quarry road to the Mountaineer's side of the hill, it is well defined & is marked by a knee high boulder on your right. This trail links up all the larger boulders as it gently climbs its way upwards, & is pretty enjoyable and aerobic as compared to the wedge approach. 1st tier approach can be done in 30-40 mins if you keep your head down.

Once you are high on the MW this elaborate cliff band becomes an adventurous series of chutes and ladders. Loose rock can exist so always take caution. The locals have left a nice series of little metal signs at most of the junctions in the trail to let you know where you are. 

Best recourse is CH website,

http://www.climbingtoposofsandiego.com

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

ECM, MW overview provided by CH!
[Hide Photo] ECM, MW overview provided by CH!
Just moving it off the trail.
[Hide Photo] Just moving it off the trail.
La Chacolate!!!
[Hide Photo] La Chacolate!!!
Mountaineer Walls
[Hide Photo] Mountaineer Walls
OS of The Wobbler, 2013!
[Hide Photo] OS of The Wobbler, 2013!
Looking back on the lower half of The First Tier!
[Hide Photo] Looking back on the lower half of The First Tier!
A more detailed view of the trails. The lower trails should be in good shape due to traffic. As you get higher up the trails may be overgrown but you should be able to find the base trail. Several short handlines are in place for safety so check condition
[Hide Photo] A more detailed view of the trails. The lower trails should be in good shape due to traffic. As you get higher up the trails may be overgrown but you should be able to find the base trail. Several…
West Tier!
[Hide Photo] West Tier!
Look for the sign for mountaineers wall. It is easy to miss after you pass the power line tower
[Hide Photo] Look for the sign for mountaineers wall. It is easy to miss after you pass the power line tower
Cope dred on the West Tier!
[Hide Photo] Cope dred on the West Tier!
Gold Rush Wall!
[Hide Photo] Gold Rush Wall!
Turn-Off to get to Mountaineer Wall
[Hide Photo] Turn-Off to get to Mountaineer Wall

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

[Hide Comment] From the quarry road, continue past the raptor nesting sign that marks the turn for approaching the wedge. Within 100' or so there is another trail that branches off from the quarry road to the Mountaineer's side of the hill, it is well defined & is marked by a knee high boulder on your right. This trail links up all the larger boulders as it gently climbs its way upwards, & is pretty enjoyable and aerobic as compared to the wedge approach. 1st tier approach can be done in 30-40 mins if you keep your head down. Nov 6, 2020
Joshua Reinig
Lone Pine Ca.
[Hide Comment] Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for their contribution to this MP page. You are all amazing humans and always inspiring. Such a beautiful area is hard to not want to share and know the struggle in doing so.
Keep up the good work! Sep 15, 2021
Gary Anderson
vista, ca
[Hide Comment] I have been climbing here for the past 20 years and have not come across any nesting birds other than some crows. We do see the Goldens flying above the ridges but are always far away. Their nest has been near the south ridge trail for many years on a tower west of the trail. This has been the reason for the warnings as there is a 2,000 foot radius from the nest for protection. The pair of Goldens has now moved the nest about a half mile west high up in a canyon. There shouldn't be and has never been a problem climbing at Mountaineers. facebook.com/1724097629/pos… This is a video of the new nest. Apr 24, 2022
Brian Nelson
San Diego, CA
[Hide Comment] That link to climbingtoposofsandiego doesnt work brought me to a junk site then a honda dealership Mar 8, 2024