The butt kicker route to Santiago Peak

Took the long route up Joplin to Santiago Peak. 17.28 miles with 4949 elevation gain!
It was a continual climb with quite a bit of rocks. Pretty terrains with some tree covered shady sections and wild flowers are starting to bloom. Lots of bugs abs loose rocks- I recommend poles. Especially on decent which was loose in some sections- saves your knees. Towers at the peak- cloudy day so no views to reward our efforts!