This was a great hike with three participants and one individual who had never hiked this far before.  Starting at North Mt. Wilson was a great idea.  It avoids the crowds at the bridge and we saw wildflowers on the hike up.  The trail starts with a continuous climb with switchbacks.  It then levels out just as you join the main trail.  There is another long climb and, before you know it, you are at the top.  Our Strava recorded 7.24 miles with a 2,409 elevation gain.  We did it in 5.04 hours.

It got hot as the day progressed. We began at 8:45 am.  This allowed us to be in the shade for the first hour or so. On the way down, it got hot.

The views along the way and at the top were incredible!