I have avoided this hike since the trail reopened after the Gender Reveal Fire. I've been afraid of what I would see. It was heartbreaking. This used to be one of the most beautiful trails in Southern California. It's still beautiful, but it's a ravaged beauty. It will never be the same, at least not in my lifetime. Fire is part of the life cycle of California forests, hopefully it will come back better. Still it was disheartening to see all the manzanita destroyed and just some bare white branches left.

The hike is still good. The trail is clear and easy to follow. The spur trail to Columbine Springs was hard to find near the wheel barrow, but could be picked out. I looked in vain for the route to John's Meadows, I know where it is but couldn't see a trace. It had been little used for a while. Let's hope it gets beaten down as more people use it.

Water was running good past Limber Pine and we saw quite a few campers as we came back. The last two miles are the same, especially after you catch sight of the firehouse, endless.

It wasn't as crowded as it used to be, but still more people than I expected. It's the same trail and the same mountain, but not the same hike. Still I'm glad I finally got back.