Parked at Foothill College (please check parking permit rules before going, and we did spot one tow truck even on a school holiday). Parking lot at the trailhead is so tiny that it's basically random whether you get a spot, no matter the time of day (unless maybe if you arrive close to sunset, but you won't be doing this hike if you arrive that late). The trail was well maintained and smooth the whole way except for one fallen tree. I call the portion from the power lines up to the north summit the “Beast” because you climb about 400 feet of elevation in 1000 feet of distance with very little shade (and your legs are tired after several miles of hiking at that point), but at least there is a nice view and a cool breeze. The first 3-4 miles is mostly shaded and not too steep except for a really steep portion out of the valley. No facilities anywhere along the trail, except for a hardly-useful non-potable water spigot at the campsite near the summit, so you need to carry all the water you'll need (plus extra for your hiking partner who doesn't bring enough!). Overall this felt like one of the more unrelenting climbs in the Bay Area, but at least you have fresh air, nice views, and some shade.