As you pass through the reservation heading towards the trailhead, be mindful of the neighboring dogs who run out into the road. The entrance requires a park pass and you cannot start before 8:00 AM. We were greeted by wild turkeys near the parking area.  Make sure you head West from the parking to the trailhead (and not east), the signage is a bit misleading. There are porta potties at the trailhead. This is a well-maintained trail moderate to difficult with a bulk of the elevation gain happening in the first two miles.  At mile two I think I dropped a lung.  I opted to not climb the ladder and rope to get to the elevation marker; I didn't wanna be “that guy” to break the rope.  Motivation destination was at Black Plague brewing on valley Parkway, Escondido.