Okay, this was the choice for our 2nd peak this year's challenge.  Not quite as far away from home as Palomar Mtn, and we had a guaranteed spectacular post hike lunch at Pete's BBQ in Ramona on the way home.  On to the hike description:

If you've read other trail reports about this hike you will know that miles 1 and 2 are supposedly pretty F-ing steep.  Rest assured, they are.  I am going on record in saying that this portion of the hike is strictly a “NC” {No Chatting) section of trail.   We both had to keep asking one another. ‘Is this thing kind of steep?”  Finally at mile 1.3-ish I cried Uncle and we stopped for a water break.  After mile 2 was in the rear view, the trail got much more user friendly and there was  plenty of awesome scenery.

We did come across a lot of broken tree tops and a couple of complete trees that had fallen across the trail, and there was ice on some of the puddles.  Other than that, this hike was hands down one of the best I've been on here in SD county.  Miles 3-5 are absolutely gorgeous.  The views from the top saddle and both the tower site and the actual peak are totally worth the “A” pain incurred on mile 1 and 2.