The drive from North Phoenix took about an hour. We arrived around 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday when the temperature was a cool 48 degrees. It did not take long to warm up though. The first 1/3 of the hike starts out at a steeper incline than expected.  Once you get about halfway up and round the mountain, the upper body workout starts. Lots of steep climbs and descents. We lost the trail at one point but it didn't take long to get back on track. The hike was challenging but so much fun. Since I found myself in a vertical lunge position quite often, I was so grateful for the cables. I was glad I brought gloves since my friend did not have any and her hands were pretty sore. Loved the rock climbing and incredible views.