I started around 10am on Saturday the 5th, and the going was fairly good for the first 3.5 of 7 miles to the peak. But around the point where one enters San Gorgonio Wilderness proper, overgrowth of needle-sharp thorny bushes and manzanita made the going very slow. Physically I was fine. Elevation was noticeable, but it was the bushes that destroyed me, and cut up my short-clad legs. It easily extended my hike from a 6 hr affair to closer to 9. And as you’d expect, that means I ran out of water by hour 7. The sun was low by this time and walking downhill helps. I wasn’t in trouble, but if you’re brave enough and have the pants to hike this trail, bring more water than you’d possibly need on a well-groomed trail.

This is beautiful, and maybe one day I would return if confirmed the trail had been cleared. Pics included.