This was my 2/6 2nd trail completed on the Northern California Six Packs of Peaks Challenge. I had been traveling for about 2 weeks before this hike so I was a little nervous I wouldn't be in my best-hiking shape. Not to mention the fact, that this would be the longest and most challenging hike I had ever completed in my life. Growing up on the East Coast with a family who didn't hike super often, the longest hikes I had done were only about 5 miles max. Since moving to the Bay Area I have gotten my mileage up and have really enjoyed a solid 6-8 mile hike on any given weekend. But Mt. Sizer would set a new record for me personally in both length and elevation gain.

For this trek, I arrived to Henry W. Coe State Park around 8:00am and met with another woman from a Facebook hiking group to hike this 16 mile trail together. She was generous enough to give me some extra water as I only packed 2.5 liters thinking that was enough but the park rangers recommend bringing 4-5 liters of water per day as much of the trail is pretty exposed. We started at 8:45am and took a small snack break for about 15mins around 3.5 miles right before 1,400ft elevation gain around mile 4. The elevation gain was tough but there were little patches of shade between each switchback which was nice. At the top there was a nice bench to re-apply sunscreen/bug spray. Then we were rewarded with plenty of wildflowers and California poppies at the peak. The 2 miles following the peak were smooth sailing as we hiked along the ridge. Then the initial downhill was a bit steep, but then we took the suggested “shortcut” recommended by the park rangers (aka the jacka$$ trail). That 2 mile stretch through that shortcut was a bit buggy so I would definitely recommend a buff or a bug net for your head. Around miles 12-13 we took a bathroom stop near one of the backpacking sites and the creek. We saw a group of people that had been camping out there all week which was pretty cool. Miles 13-14.5 back uphill was brutal. It was much more narrow throughout that part of the trail and fatigue was slowly starting to set in. However, once we reached the top and saw people at the campsites throughout miles 15-16 it was a huge morale boost. It felt good to see people as we had not seen anyone until mile 12. After passing the last camping site it was about 1.5-2 miles back to where we started at the Visitor Center. However, these last 1.5-2 miles felt long as there were a variety of rolling hills and just as you thought you would be done with elevation gain, there was more. But crossing the bridge and walking up the steps back to the parking lot felt victorious. I was yelling and cheering with joy as this felt like such a large accomplishment to me. I ended this journey by getting a photo in front of all the heights we just climbed, stretching out by my car, and driving down the mountain with my windows down and the alpine sunset pouring through the view of my windshield.

What I brought/recommend you should bring:
-Sunscreen
-Bug Spray (I used Ben's Tick repellent 30% DEET) (Henry W. Coe SP does have a variety of ticks, but I didn't have a single one on me)
-4.5-5 Liters of water (I underprepared + brought only 2.5L)
-Nuun hydration electrolyte tablets or Liquid IV (with how exposed it is the extra hydration will do you good)
-A hat + sunglasses + a buff (or insect shield)
-Snacks a happy amount of them, I brought 2 applesauce packets, trail mix, 2 granola bars, and craisins on the trail. But I wish I brought extra snacks for the drive home because I was starving.
–Trekking Poles: Even if you're not a pole person they will definitely help with the steep uphill/downhill portions, I would not attempt this trail without them

Overall a 10/10 adventure and a good challenge for sure. I would only do it in the early spring/winter months as I feel the heat would be a little too intense in the summer. But if you have read this far, thank you for reading and I wish you happy trails!