Upon entry from main road, you encounter a rough dirt road with many pot holes. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended, but you can pass carefully with a standard car. We used a minivan. Before reaching the trailhead, we were stopped by a closed gate not allowing vehicles to pass. This gate was approximately 2 miles from Holy Jim Trailhead. We parked and started our hike at 0700. Had to cross 3 streams by walking through them on foot. Once we reached the trailhead, they have an outhouse bathroom for your convenience. Started our hike at the trailhead at 0800. First mile you have to cross 8 streams of water. Some you have to walk through, and others you can cross by stepping on large rocks or downed tree limbs. Hike has a steady climb on well maintained dirt trails/fire road. View is well worth it and one of my all time favorites. I was able to see Point Loma, Catalina, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Mt Baldy, San Jacinto and San G. Pretty much a 360 degree view from the top. Retuned to the car at 1900. We hiked 20 miles round trip and it took 12 hours.