This was the first real hike of this challenge that made me uncomfortably exhausted. The trek up the first 2 miles felt like 6. We stopped multiple times for water and a breather. That elevation gain is no joke. After those few miles it does ease up and the views help, they are gorgeous. Once you get to that last stretch to the top prepare for annoying bugs. I zipped my jacket hoodie over my head and swatted as I walked, once through you’re basically at the end and the views at the top are so worth it. Please bring plenty of water on this hike, I also brought an orange, banana and protein bar. We burned a pound off, went at it for almost 8 hours and our watches put us at almost 14.5 so something to consider. We ultimately did see a coyote at the beginning but he was a distance off and my buddy said he saw a snake, so as always so cautious of surroundings and wear quality hiking shoes.