The hike to the fire tower is on a now closed fire road – cinders most of the way. The first 3 1/2 miles was a fairly gradual ascent, but the last 1 1/2 miles were steep and strenuous. We had started at 7AM but by 9 it was getting hot. Arrived at the fire tower at 10, where we met Mallory the ranger. Very welcoming and gave us a tour of the tower. She was on day 12 of a 13 day  rotation – this due to very dry and windy conditions in and around Flagstaff. F0llowing a snack began the trek down. Very hot and exposed in many places. The best part of the hike were the views as you get higher, particularly the San Francisco Peaks which still had some snow. And do bring plenty of water!!