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Western Highlands
California
> San Diego County
> S San Diego County
> El Cajon Mountain
> Mountaineer Walls
Access Issue: Raptor Nesting Advisory
Details
Please avoid raptor nests. El Cajon Mountain- Golden Eagles nested successfully at this site in 2009, after relocating twice between alternate nest sites. The Golden Eagle nest at El Cajon Mountain was not successful in Spring 2010. This nest was successful and fledged young in 2011 - 2021. Details from USFS posted here:
fs.usda.gov/detail/clevelan… The El Cajon Mountain climbing area is in close proximity to the San Diego River Park Foundation property. This property's purpose is to protect and conserve San Diego's threatened habitat and wildlife in perpetuity. Specifically, the San Diego River Park Foundation are protecting golden eagles that nest in the area and ceanothus, a California lilac that is an endemic sensitive plant species. Please avoid and limit recreational activities at the San Diego River Park Foundation property to promote San Diego's threatened habitat and wildlife. Thank you!
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
[Hide Photo] The rap anchor 200' below the slabs. About 40' gets you safely to Easy Way Out anchor.
[Hide Photo] The grass slopes heading up to Highlands.