The weather was pleasant; the warmest temperature reached was 75deg. However, there are a lot of open, exposed areas so bring plenty of water. Plan on 6-7hrs to do the entire loop.

This hike is insidious because the trail has dozens of false summits. When you cross over the Middle Fork of Coyote Creek, the Mt. Sizer ram begins. Every turn in the trail looks like the top, but it is a steep 1.5mile. You will know you are at the top when you to a bench at the top of the ridge.

Jackass trail is a way to reduce the length of the Mt. Sizer loop by 1mi. However Jackass is overgrown and the brush is quite deep. Last time we hiked this, we saw rattlesnakes. Also, since ticks are an increasing problem in California, I recommend sticking to the main trail.

Mile 13 is a doozy. Take a break at Poverty Flat to recharge your batteries before the final push. There are actually 3 steep sections to the final three miles, but much of the trail is shaded.