Started before sunrise as I learned this is a heavily trafficked and highly popular hiking trail, especially with the closure of the Cholla Trail.  Temps were in low 40’s so I had 4 layers on, but many hikers, who seemed familiar with the trail, were dressed in workout gear.  I regretted having so many layers as temps started heating up, but I brought only a hydration vest so I had nowhere to stash them.  Wow, I liked this approach via Echo Canyon much better than Cholla, but it was a real ass-kicker.  Lots of steep climbs and boulder scrambling.  The climb is relentless and keeps going up. The view is spectacular, and kudos to those hardcore individuals who lugged that Christmas tree to the summit!  It was a beautiful sight.

Hike #1 in my quest to complete all #SixPackofPeaks in 3 days