Cholla Trail closed.  Don't know if it was that or day after Presidents Day, but I got there before noon and the parking lot was full.  I went to the JW Marriot Hotel to park, but is a 25 minute walk to the trail.  I got Starbucks in the hotel, then drove back and the parking lot was open.  It had been less than 24 hours after doing Piestewa/Squaw. It was rough getting going, but hit my stride about one-third of the way up.  As far as “obstacles” this was been my favorite to date out of 3, so was a bit surprised that this was “optional”, especially since it is very near Piestewa.  I drove up from Tucson and stayed two nights in Chandler and did both on the same trip.  I was really glad to have plenty of water, gloves, and hiking shoes.  It was only in the 50's, but I was sweating like crazy.  Many senior and family members.  I thought it was a bit rough for that crowd, but many made it to the top.