We had reasonably cool weather and a slight breeze for this long day-hike.  This is one of the most desolate park headquarters I have been to – not surprising given the long drive from civilization to get there.  We did see a ranger when we paid the Iron Ranger, but she paid us no attention and we were on our way, only seeing one other car drive in.

The hiking was fine, though some steep trails.  The “Steepest Trail In The Bay Area” was steep, but being early in the day, it went by quickly and with a bench at the top then nice ridgeline hiking after, was an easy recovery.

As others have mentioned, Mount Sizer was unremarkable – more of a knoll on a ridge.  We continued to nearly the Jackass Trail turnoff before we broke for lunch.  The feeling of really getting far away was broken briefly by a ranger driving by – had he gone up steep Hobbs Rd?

We somehow missed the social trail up to Jackass Peak, but don't think we missed much.  Had a nice break down on Poverty Flats before starting the grind back up to get back to the start – seems just wrong to have to hike up and out when climbing a peak.  But it was nice to have the climbing broken up throughout the day.

The most notable nature of the day was the preponderance of acorns everywhere along the trail and their companions, many woodpeckers and trees full of holes.