The hike was beautiful! We took the Chartry Flats Trail on the way up, and the Mt. Wilson Trail to the Winter Creek Trail on the way down.

You begin hiking along a creek, which is full of trees and greenery giving you shade on a hot day, before starting the bulk of the assent. There are great views throughout the entire hike, whether it's plant life, animals, or mountain vistas.

Once you reach the summit there are multiple places to refill water and rest in the shade. There are also restrooms and a cafe, however this year it is all shut down for the season.

I enjoyed taking the Winter Creek trail back down because it has more gradual descents. It also is in the shade most of the time and has great views.

We saw and almost saw quite a few animals as well. In total there were five deer, a ring snake, a small lizard who made a flying leap, caught a cricket and ended up at our feet, and we almost saw a bear. Some bikers coming down the trail startled it and it ran off.

All in all a wonderful hike.