I took the Fatmans loop to the right for the shade and a more beautiful trail. This only adds about .25 miles and is not as steep. There was a lot of smoke in the air so breathing wasn’t great and it was a warm day but once I got a couple miles in, the breeze picked and helped cool me off. There were plenty of lizards and bugs out but it wasn’t bad and I even had a ladybug meet me at the top. I’ve hiked this peak several times and each time has been harder than the next. Bring plenty of water, the steepness will slow you down and the heat can sneak up on you. On the way back I went to the right at the fork in order to cut off the extra distance (because I ran out of water) but it’s a great way to see more parts of the hike and still end up at the same parking lot.