"Figured since it was still a somewhat cool day, we would take on another peak. So, off we went to Viejas Mountain. Now, I'm no mountain goat and I'm getting a little better with high peaks, but I wasn't expecting nothing but up from the get go. There were times when I reconsidered the decision, but the view from the top was definitely worth it. Took 2:42 to climb the 1,479' in 4.25mi. " — erinfetters • Apr 10, 2022

"Climbed via the southern trailhead. The trail is conveniently right off the freeway, but the climb and mileage is tougher than the more popular west trailhead. Spent much of the hike ascending the ridge and reaching a few false summits. I found the “Viejas” benchmark on a lower high point. I found a windbreak and the register on the higher point about a quarter mile from the benchmark." — MikeTeeples • Nov 21, 2021

"An awesome mountain, I felt a sense of vigor and renewed vigor hiking Viejas Mountain. This was my first hike in about 7 weeks, and it was great to be back out on the trails again! I hiked Viejas on a cool December morning, and although there were some very steep spots, I felt the hike was peaceful. The chaparral is coming back very well after the Cedar Fire from 2003, and here's to its continued regrowth. On a summer day, this hike could be tough due to lack of shade, but when I hiked it, it was cool and breezy, and chilly on top with some a short stint of wintry weather, as some sleet fell for about 10 minutes! This was a shocker, since December in Southern California has been unseasonably hot! Yes, hot! So, after 83 degrees where I live on Friday in Orange County, seeing a sign of winter was awesome for me! It was worth the 2 hour drive for the short 3 mile hike behind Alpine in San Diego County. I also explored a small peak on the opposite side of the saddle leading to the summit, where there was some minor scrambling over boulders, which was fun too! Despite the cloudiness, there were some phenomenal views of East County, Baja, and the coastal areas!! Of course, I a..." — brianpowell • Dec 16, 2017

"Ran up and down during the tail end of our first winter storm. Treacherous, wet & windy--this trail is peppered with shin-perforating yucca plants, especially as you get higher. Overall an exhilarating run, especially because of the questionable, muddy footing. It reminded me of hiking in the mud in Hawaii." — benjineer • Nov 1, 2014

"I've been up many times as I live in Alpine. It's a hard hike especially in summer but it is short. About a mile and a half straight up the side from Anderson truck rd. there is also a killer trail that is substantially longer and way harder in some places if your looking for a harder trail. This trail may be accessed from the west end of willows road just off the reservation. From Anderson truck rd it's a quick morning hike if you just got the itch for adventure but got work or something. From the top, if its clear, you can see out to the Coronado islands off the coast, to the south east and north it's mountains. Off to the east you can see the lagunas. Down below on the east side you can see the reservation as well as the casino. To the west is the el capitan reservoir and el cajon mountain. If you spend the night in the summer the sun comes up over peak cuyamaca and in the winter you see the sunrise over buckman peak. I guess the kumyaay used to go up there for winter solstice although that's just from my own research. Pick a clear day and watch out for rattlesnakes. Tons of different plants including white sage, tons of manzanita and lizards including an endangered species that..." — rickconroy • Aug 19, 2014