We, my hubby & I, usually start at Chantry Flats trailhead but due to the Bobcat fires, that route was closed and we had to start at this trailhead. This trail is a mile longer and you start at a lower elevation but I liked it more than Chantry. First off, no need for a parking pass and a nice park bathroom at the start that opens at 6:00am!!  This route is steep and keeps going up! We started at 6:39 am and stopped a few times on the way up – Orchard Camp( half way point) and at the Bench and made the summit at 10:30am. We walked up to the Cosmic Cafe , which was closed and the bathrooms were locked but the water spigot up on top was working. We ate our snacks and took some photos before heading back. We left at 11:15am and we’re at the car before 2:00pm. We came across a half dozen trail runners as the trail is in good shape. A tip for our next hike here: start earlier, say, 6:00am as it’s pretty exposed for the last 2 miles out. Don’t forget to celebrate the hike with a shake from In n’ Out!!