I have not don this hike in 30 years.  I loved that most of this trail is in the “forest” and not along a backbone.  Hiking down from Chantry brought back so many memories from being in the Girl Scouts and hiking down that hill to our cabin every year.  I started 6am ish and the entire time following the falls was spectacular.  Just a symphony of sounds and nobody really there.  Just soaked it all up.  I ran into a fellow socalhiker:Facebook person – fun. One we (dog and I) started to head up the hill, bugs picked up.  I was exhausted at the top and didn't do a pose.  I really like capturing the environment more that I do taking photos of me.  The top was empty but I enjoyed looking at the telescopes.  No service at the top but I refilled my water.  I emptied my 3l on the way up…a little warmer than I usually hike.  At the top I was having issues with my Alltrails map “going away”.  I bumped into another having the same Alltrails issue.  I am really glad I did the loop.  I liked the different vegetation on the way out.  Tons of flowers and butterflies!  When I got back to the trailhead it was packed.  They were 1/2 down the hill too.  As far as trash goes – did not see much.  As I sit here on the couch afterwards…totally with the effort.  I would go on a winter day if you have the choice.