Trail conditions: compact dirt at the beginning of the trail with some rocks approximately 3-miles into the hike (if you are starting from the Azalea Glen Loop, which makes the trip – if out-and-back – a total of 10.5 miles, give or take). A few patches of snow towards the peak, about 1.5 miles from the peak actually, but is off the trail. Small snow melts causing a little mud

Weather: could not ask for more perfect weather. Upon arrival it was 48 degrees (Fahrenheit) and peaked at around 67 degrees (Fahrenheit)

This was a beautiful hike through a forest, which is always welcomed here in sunny San Diego, California. Beautiful bird songs were heard throughout the hike. Very few people hiked the Azalea Glen Loop (I only saw two people come down that route); I saw a majority of hikers come from the fire road, which is paved but does not have any streams or trees (or shade!!!) along the way – and is considerably shorter than if done via the Azalea Glen Loop.