What a hike! I’ve hiked the surrounding waterfalls before. This one was challenging. We started at chantry flats, walked down the hill to the lower winter trail. Hiked up, counter clockwise like recommended by blogs and friends. The first 3 miles were a good warm up. By mile 4.5-5, as we walked thru switchbacks, 45 degree angles in a beautifully wooded area, that’s when it became difficult. By that time we were averaging 33min/mile. Towards the top as we could see over the other mountains, my boots started to rub the back of my foot. Luckily I brought silk liners, next time I’ll bring moleskin. The last 1.5 miles I hit a wall. Finally! Up at the top, Mt Wilson!!! What a perfect day it was, we ate a snack, took some pictures then started our way down the loop. Thru the parking lot we went (foot still hurting). The chill was in the air, sun was shining. As we walked down the previously fire burned area, back and forth down the mountain, 2 miles seemed like eternity. Then we hit such a lovely wooded area again on the other side of the mountain ridge. Just when we thought we were near. As we heard water, the first sign said, chantry flats 3.0 miles! Not what we expected as we were on mike 12…onwards we went. Up n down, around each bend, legs burning, knees popping and then we saw the parking lot!!!! Yippy! We didn't have to climb up that asphalt hill we descended. Reinvigorated we trekked on until…well I ran out of water! Never have I ever ran out of 3L on a hike. This wasn’t my first hike over 10miles long. Now I was worried. Luckily my friend still had some. 1.5, 1.0, 0.5 and finally we made it back to the car! Legs were toast and we were starving. Total hike time, 8:40 hours, 4232 accent, 4177 decent, 14.3 miles….I think my garmin was a bit off as my buddies said 15 miles. Either way we made it!!!! It was tough! It was beautiful! What an accomplishment!