I already finished 6 Bay Area peaks, but I want to do all 9 this year, do this is #7. I decided to go clockwise starting on Monument Trail. It was up and down, had one easy stream crossing, and then a very steep section followed by a gradual ridge climb to the summit of Mt Sizer. It was a bit rainy at the beginning, but my friends and I were prepared. It was quite cold and windy on the summit, so we didn’t stay long.

After going down from the summit, you reach a stream that is basically the trail, so I’d recommend bringing Tevas/water shoes as there’s no easy way to cross without getting you feet/shoes and all the way up to your knees wet. One of my friends had her Tevas and had a much easier time. My other friend and I had to keep taking our shoes on and off. It was quite the adventure.

Other things to look out for on this hike are newts – we saw tons and one even climbed onto my boots! – and poison oak. Everything is blooming and there were some big poison oak plants, though they’re mostly easy to avoid.

This was a long hard hike, but a good one!