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Western Highlands

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

Description

This is probably the last area of Mountaineers which possess a handfull of routes. It lies directly above West Tier. The rock is generally good but some areas have some slight surface flakiness. Much like going way up to the Sun area, you have to want to get on these routes as the approach is long. The Highlands gets sun all day so better plan on cool temps. 

Getting There

The easiest approach is to West Tier and climb Sleeping Giant (P3&4) up to the anchor just before the hip pitch. Hike up and to the west about 80' to the top anchor of Easy Way Out. Or climb Easy Way Out '10.b' for its 2 pitches. From the top anchor head up and to the left via grass filled slopes app. 200' to the base of the slabs. To EXIT this area hike down 200' and find the 1st short rap (anchors on a mega ton block with cairn) then 3 90' raps on Easy Way Out. There is also a way to hike there. Half way up West Tier trail just before the slab traverse, head up and left thru large boulders and grassy hillside following cairns. Careful navigating on this steep hillside above West Tier will get you to a grassy gully where you can see the 'hip pitch' of Sleeping Giant. Go up this gully staying on the low angle slabs to near the hip pitch and traverse west a short distance to the Highlands.

Routes from Left to Right

5.10c/d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 4
Crown Jewel
Trad
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 4
Highlander
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 5
Double Overhead
Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 4
Slippery Slope
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Crown Jewel
 4
5.10c/d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Trad
Highlander
 4
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Double Overhead
 5
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Slippery Slope
 4
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The rap anchor 200' below the slabs.  About 40' gets you safely to Easy Way Out anchor.
[Hide Photo] The rap anchor 200' below the slabs. About 40' gets you safely to Easy Way Out anchor.
The grass slopes heading up to Highlands.
[Hide Photo] The grass slopes heading up to Highlands.