This was a beautiful and challenging hike. We started when the gates opened (at 8am), pit stop at the nice clean bathrooms in the parking lot and were greeted by a park volunteer who was handing out maps and providing guidance.  Trails were is great condition, AllTrails was a godsend though, because some of the trails were not easy to spot (even with the map). The journey up is steep but the rewarding views at the top are well worth it. A frosty Coca Cola and an ice cream sandwich from the visitors center were amazing and will never be rivaled! Another clean bathroom pit stop at the top, and then we were able to refill our camelbacks with water which was great (I went though about 5L in all). If you go on a hot day like us, adequate water is a must.  It took us about 9 hours to complete the loop. I was combating a painful Achilles on the way up so it took us longer than normal (turns out that I have a minor tear).
the fire-road on  the way down is easy to navigate and you just can’t beat being out that deep in nature. Such a feeling of accomplishment!