I liked this well marked trail which offered a bit of everything. The first section even included rustic cabins. Later on you traverse a rocky valley/ dry stream bed.  A few of my favorite recollections were seeing the sunlight come up on the surrounding mountains,  the petrified wood boulders that weren't petrified wood, The saddle section with its forested area and the people I met, Fernando and Nik.  One a humble IT professional who had lost 60 lbs. hiking the other a Instagram influencer who helped me get the perfect summit photo with her tips.

The trail was manageable but did feel a bit long on the return. At over 11 miles its no wonder 🙂 Note that about a mile in a ranger did stop me and ask if I had a permit so  get your permit. otherwise, it was a great hike with nestled views.