Got out of Phoenix a little later than planned, arriving at trailhead around 8:30am. Had to park along the main road, but the vending machine said “Free Day” so didn't need to pay the $5 Red Rock Pass. I'm not ashamed to say “difficult” is an accurate description. We had plenty of water and snacks, but after crossing the “bench” and looking up at the true summit, it was a bit disheartening and a bit of a challenge to keep the spirits up for the second half to the true summit. We will probably be sore tomorrow, but the views and the experience were worth the trip. Besides, we did a little wine tasting in Cottonwood on the way back home!