As a beginner hiker, this trail was TOUGH. It’s 7 miles up and 7 miles down with virtually no flat terrain to give your legs a rest. The views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the skyline of Sierra Madre below, however, are beautiful and the trail takes you through desert, woods, and rocky pine-ridden terrain. It’s truly a beautiful hike all around. The trail was in great shape; well-maintained, free from obstacles, and easy to navigate. The peak was slightly anti-climactic because the trail dumps you out into the parking lot of the Cosmic Cafe. But if you wander around a bit, you’ll see the great views of the valley. The trek down was hard on the knees since it’s 7 miles down hill but altogether, this hike was a really great experience.