My buddy and I started hiking at 9:15am. His ex-wife said she did it in 6 hours and 22 minutes, I thought for sure we would smash that time. This was “one” of those times when I was wrong, DEAD wrong LOL! This is easily a 7-8 hour hike depending on breaks and speed. Friday was the only day of the week with no rain in the forecast, the forecast was right finally! There was a slight chill in the air and a decent amount of cloud cover. I was wearing compression pants under shorts and a long sleeve Under Armour shirt, I was comfortable the entire way up. I own a pair of trekking poles that I have gotten accustomed to leaving at home, this was another “one” of those times when I was wrong. Trekking poles would have made this hike a TON easier for me and my knees paid the price for my bad decision. I brought 2 liters of water which was exactly enough on a cool day. I did have two back-up bottles of water just in case. I read reviews about this hike being “uphill both ways” and the “hardest hike in San Diego”. There were plenty of moments where it felt “uphill both ways”. I don't know about the “hardest hike in San Diego” because I haven't done them all but it was DEFINITELY the hardest and longest hike I've done in my life. My buddy Mike also enjoyed himself and I was glad he came. It was nice to hear water running and falling throughout the hike. Beautiful Blue and Yellow flowers were in bloom. We ran across an abandoned truck which I totally wasn't expecting. There was also an old weather station that was a quick detour near the peak. If you haven't done this hike before it is a MUST. If you have done this hike before, by hat is off to you and you are a BEAST!