We were expecting rain by 2pm so, we decided to race expected weather and start at 10am. The directions I got from socalhiker.net and google  were pretty straight forward so, it was easy to find the place even when I did lose cell phone reception. One thing I might add is there are two parking lots. Both are labeled for Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, but the second one as marked for Mt. Umunhum Summit.

The trail itself was well manicured and had markers that were easy to read. With that said, there are some parts of the trail that veer off into other trails so, I could see how someone that wasnt paying attention could easily take a wrong turn. My friend and I carried conversation the whole way through the hike and effortlessly finished by 1pm. You are climbing in elevation and there are switchbacks throughout the trail but I feel like this was the easiest hike to start with. It seemed like we had the trail to ourselves for the most part, with the exception of the occasional mountain bikers, squirrel and dear.

The weather conditions were quite cold for myself, as I was expecting. I packed extra clothes and a towel just incase the rain decided to come earlier and dump on us. When we first arrived, the sun was still showing itself, it didnt seem like rain was in the forecast at all. Never-the-less, I hiked out with a beanie and a fleece sweater because the wind was quite chilly for my taste. There was frost on the ground throughout the hike and some muddy patches from the previous rain but nothing unmanageable.

Once we got to the summit, the wind had picked up and we could see the storm could from afar so we didnt stay very long. I will say that whats left of the radar tower is quite eerie. My friend and I joked that it looked like a place that someone could get locked away in. We easily walked through the construction to visit the ceremonial space. The view from that part of the summit overlooking the valley was incredible. I would love to experience an offering ceremony there because the ground really does have a different vibration.

My summit to Mt. Umunhum was an incredible way to start my six pack of peak challenge. I would gladly go back and hike with the kiddos and other friends that are/arent avid hikers. I feel like everyone can appreciate this hike.