This is the first of the Summer Challenge I really enjoyed so far (#4). The views were great. It was a steady incline but not a lot of “stairs” and climbing. The trail is obvious and well-maintained. Most of the trail is flat or.sandy with interspersed rocks and boulders until you get to the last half to quarter mile. Someone mentioned a climb but I didn't feel that it could rightly be called that unless you continue beyond the stated trail end. There are a lot of boulders there, though, and need to be careful.

My favorite part is probably when you get the end of the major switchbacks and it suddenly gets flat and opens up into a sort of secret wilderness where the land seems to have been untouched by fire and tucked behind what you think is there from the trail.

Though the website said the day use area opened at 6 until October, all signs said 7 and I ended up having to wait for the gate to be opened at 7 There is a fee, but I have a pass so not sure what it is. Though today was Public Lands Day and Metate was free anyway.

Also, it was hot AF today. Some shade in the morning and lots of places to rest your bum. Several places to stop and see a different vista. No shade on the way down. Usually heading downhill, this doesn't bother me much but today I was roasting. Felt real sorry for some backpackers who didn't start til 10. They looked like wrung out rags less than halfway up.