It was so amazing to get my first peak done! We contemplated even attempting the hike due to the weather forecast of light rain in the area around our start time. We went for it and decided to play it by ear. I am so glad we made that choice. We pulled into the near empty parking lot just before 7 am. It took a minute to find the trail head. I am so glad my husband had prepared far better than myself and knew it wasn't right out of the lot. In fact, it seems to be a common issue. As we arrived back to the lot, we were asked 3 different times where the trail head is. For those that haven't done it yet, it is actually across the highway up up a little bit from the parking lot.

We had ALL the weather that day! We started off in the light rain, or drizzle, but trail conditions were solid and the forecast was calling for the sun to poke out in just a few hours. We braved it and forged ahead. As we gained elevation, we hit hail. At first, it was light and then, it would get heavy for a moment. Then, we rounded one corner and the wind became intense and we were getting pelted with the hail in the face. We laughed through the sting and the cold! Next, the hail turned so fluffy and light one might say it was pretty close to snow. Before we knew it, it was gone and we were up with the clouds. It was beautiful! There were two small, slippery ice patches on the trail that were easy to navigate. I am a novice hiker, and it would have been easy for me to miss the spots as they are dirty and almost look like the solid ground. Those, I am sure are long gone now with the So Cal weather we have had!

The last mile or so is the true climb on this hike, and it had me winded in a few sections. Clambering up the rocks was super fun and made it exciting. I love that the views for the longest time were of only the surrounding mountain range making it seem so far from the city, and then, you hit one window on the trail that perfectly frames downtown Los Angeles!! Yes, as we reached toward the last 1/2 mile or so, the clouds began parting and gave us a view all the way to the ocean!!

The peak was fantastic but very, very cold and windy! We took our pics and made our way back down to the graffiti rock for sustenance. After a short break, we descended the mountain and ran into several hikers on their way up. By the time we got down, the sun was shining and we even lost some layers. Overall, it was a great summit and I cannot wait to complete more peaks.