Exhilarating!! Whew, just thinking about the trail takes my breath away! Reading about the trail conditions as being strenuous and relentless did not stop us. We started knowing it would be a straight up climb of 4,500 feet. But reading and actually being there are two different things. Once there the challenge was on! We took time to enjoy the beautiful shaded trail up. Taking time to breath take pictures of the beautiful scenery and enjoy each other's company. We where thankful for the few spots where the trail gave us a small break on the climb. At one point as we where saying there is no way this is only 5 1/4 mile trail-our phones where saying we where at mile 7 and still had not reached the peak. We stopped to talk to a hiker going down about this and he said,”are you having fun? Than it doesn't matter the mileage!” Ha! ok we smiled and kept going until we scrambled to the peak!!! Once at the top the views where amazing and worth every step! The descent was hot and sunny with less shade. We managed to push ourselves to finish. It was a full day!