After reading other posts about parking I was tentative to start at Stanford Ave but I did manage to find street parking on Antelope Dr, less than 1/2 mile from the staging area, so I went ahead with the more popular spot.

Early on the trail splits and there is a decision to make, left or right? To the left is the Hidden Valley Trail which is mostly wide dirt and gravel road with long switchbacks at a more gradual incline. Still not the easiest hike as it is uphill all the way and there is close to no shade to be found. To the right, however, is the Peak Meadow Trail. If you're prefer to grab the gasoline, light your calves on fire and feel them burn for an hour and a half – this is the path for you. I chose the latter as it seemed far less crowded, and made the loop, coming down back Hidden Valley. Either way, you definitely earn your patch on this trail – it's uphill the whole time on either side.

Things to note: small parking lot at the staging area that holds 40-50 cars. Other parking further down the road in non-permit areas. There is a restroom and drinking fountain to fill water bottles at the staging area. The Hidden Valley Trail has benches spread apart along the way, and another restroom nearer the peak, but no shade. It can get hot early. While there are hikers of all levels here, most seemed to be taken off guard by the level of difficulty. Plan accordingly. It is definitely worth the trip up just for the incredible view of the South Bay. (I love to see the coastal fog rolling in above the mountains.)

This is a popular spot for selfies. Expect to see lots of people at the top planning their poses atop the post at the summit. Surprisingly, though, the number of people at the top, plotting the most original way to stand next to, or on the post itself, created a communal feel at the summit and made it a lot of fun. While few people said hello on the way up, or down, most seemed quite happy to talk at the summit and enjoyed trading off taking pictures for each other. And isn't that what it's all about? Just a bunch of people sharing and adventure.