I would not take a low clearance vehicle up this dirt road to the trail head parking lot. At this time, permits are NOT required for day hikes (sgwa.org). Jeff Hester's description of the switchbacks are on point “well-engineered”. I would rate the trail as easy but the hike as strenuous due to the 16+ miles and 4700′ elevation gain. The trails are in great shape with no major difficulties except some sections where the manzanita is trying to reclaim the trail. You can still make it thru the manzanita with shorts (expect some scrapes), but you'll find yourself walking like a model working a catwalk, lol. Made it to the top in 3 hrs, but it was a workout. Picked a gorgeous day, no wind & not too hot. I enjoyed this hike but not as much as the 1st 3 of the original 6 pack, they had more variety. However, it was nostalgic to stand at the historic Washington Monument (1852) and see much of it still in place.