The weather was an amazing 80 something degree day compared to hot Phoenix (which I absolutely love… don't get me wrong).  This trail is definitely a hard 4.5 miles for me personally.  With the rock/boulder scrambling and elevation gain, it definitely “feels” like more than a 2.3 miles hike up which is what the US Forestry website says.  The views of Sedona are amazing on this hike and I would encourage starting early and enjoy the views on the way up.  It took me about 5 hours as I stopped to catch my breath after the switch backs and took pictures during the hike.  I love to do interval training at home and if you are doing interval or any crossfit type or functional training, burpees, mountain climbers, and upper body strength would be great training for this hike.