We started the hike at around 8 a.m. The trail is mostly exposed with some shades here and there. We encountered some bugs mostly in the shady areas, but they're not too bad. The trail is pretty relentless… it's a constant uphill pretty much all the way to the top. This trail takes you to the parking lot near the Cosmo Cafe (which is open on a weekend), but if you want to take a picture with a Mount Baldy sign, you'd have to hike another 0.5 mile to Echo Rock.  We took our time at the “peak” (there's no distinct peak). We ate a t the Cosmo Cafe, and walked to Echo Rock to take pictures before heading down the mountain. By the last mile, it was getting dark and we needed our headlamps. So make sure to plan ahead and bring one in case you need it, especially since it's getting darker earlier now.