What a long and beautiful hike!

I started very very early as it has been HOT in LA this time of year and I wanted to get the majority of the climb out of the way before the sun was overhead. I actually overshot my goal and ended up at the trailhead at 5:30am and it wasn't quite light yet.

I waited until 6 to start- just as the sun was coming up. It was a beautiful climb- the sun was rising over the mountains and in the valley below as I suffered through the switchbacks, so they weren't so bad. There were a TON of flies in that section, I suspect it would have been even worse if I started later, but if I do this hike again I will plan to bring a head net/ insect shield.

From mile 3 all the way to the top, the scenery was gorgeous. Amazing views, green manzanitas, plenty of bees buzzing and birds calling. I would hike this section again and again. The campground was situated in such a place that you could see the sunset but I was still shaded climbing, even at mile 6.

I made it to the top by 10, it was still cool and breezy. I would say the top is not as impressive as the bench at mile 7.2, but it was still a nice accomplishment. Heading down it got much hotter, but was still bearable through to the switchbacks. The flies mile 14-16 were unbearable- I spent the entire time waving my hiking pole in front of my face. They were the fly up your nose and into your ear type of flies. It killed my spirit just a little, but I still felt like the hike was beautiful and well worth my time