At the start of the race, you will ascend from the entrance near your vehicles. Touch the gate adjacent to the parking lot and in front of Wildcat Canyon Road (seen above). Head up to the staging area/restrooms.
Next you will head up the switchbacks. This is a fun single/double track section that is just a taste of what's to expect all day. Every time you depart on a leg, you will head up this way (you will not descend back down to your car this way however).
When you top out, you'll see this sign. Head left to begin your journey to the summit. Note: on the way back down, go past this sign and continue on the main trail-- it will wind its way back to the staging area/restrooms.
Next, enjoy one of the few sustained sections of runnable trail! Be sure to look up, because the view of the cliffs, Silverdome, Silverdome II, and El Cajon Mountain itself...
What I call the Black Oak of Death. This was once the only shade to be found on the trail. No more. Well, there are some boulder shadows I've sat in higher up...
Pretty soon thereafter the real climbs start.
You will arrive at 'Stop Sign' eventually (there is literally a Stop Sign here). There is also a bench. A good place to take a break; this is about halfway up.
More climbing....don't dismay when you lose elevation and drop several hundred feet again after mile 3.5 or so.
The Jeep! When you see this, you're almost to the Junction and final stretch to the summit...
This is 'the Junction'! You cannot miss it. Do not go straight or to the right. GO LEFT.
This next section is for those of you who love more technical terrain-- plenty of rocks, some light scrambling. Follow the sign posts up the whole way; don't go off some game trail.
Among some awesome boulders and stunning views, you've reached the Summit!
Continue back down the way you came. Look at this grade! You get to run up and down that!
On the way back, remember you're not making the turn down the switchbacks (where the runner in red is pointing). You will continue on around the curve to follow the trail back to the staging area/restrooms.
This will be more your view off to your right as you descend the trail-- you're almost there!
When you've seen the Lone Palm the 3rd and final time, you'll know that you've done good...run to the Welcome Mat by everyone's parked cars down below and enjoy a job well done!