ARRIVAL WARNING: In order to get to the trailhead, you have to pass through 2 miles of gravel/rocky dirt-road. It is no problem for small SUVs or trucks, but I'd think twice about it in a sedan or a newer car. The two miles are an easy hike, but it adds time and 2 miles to the hike.

Since I added the two miles in the beginning and didn't want to run into darkness, I cut the top-portion a little short, but still covered the prescribed 9.7 miles and added another 1/2 miles on top of it. Overall it was a beautiful hike on a beautiful day. Pine trees and endless switchback, but nothing too challenging, just a long steady uphill. I encountered about 10 people all day and otherwise enjoyed the silence and the beauty of this place.