I blundered and showed up at 5am to do this hike. The lot doesn't open til 8am. I figured I could find an alternative parking place. Didn't find anything. Would. Anyone have advice on somewhere to park? Starting a hike at 8am is not in the cards.

Ive been hiking el cajon mtn 8yrs i always park on the street do to the fact people break in and the street is safer, ive also started hiking as early as 5am and the gates are closed

I had the same problem . Just in the road. No other option there

Parking in the road was our only option as well.

I parked by the road, and I saw other cars three too.

Do you mean Wildcat Canyon Rd or past the no entrance for unauthorized vehicles gate?