We arrived at the trailhead at around 8:30am but had to wait until 9am until the candy store opened (located to the left of the trailhead) as we had waited to buy parking passes from there. So we finally started our hike a little after 9am. Temp was around 47 degrees but we quickly removed our first layers after about a mile. The trail was muddy in spots and also iced over in a few areas. Did not expect it to be so rocky. Last 1/2 mile getting to the peak was definitely the hardest part as you are climbing straight up. We were glad to have our hiking poles with us as we descended from the peak. We were done with the hike by 2pm. We found a shop that sells jerky along Ortega Hwy (about a mile from the trailhead) called Kristy's Corner that has a deli inside. We ordered a couple sandwiches and we surprised and delighted at how fresh and delicious they were. Really hit the spot!