Mentally prepped for this hike but should have focused more on physically prepping with shorter hikes during the week and hydrating two days before. All in all, it was a great trail and surprised that more people don't mention how beautiful this trail is. I was blown away with the views, boulders, rusted truck hiding the register, and old mines to explore.

This hike made me realize that I like hikes that are consistent in one direction (i.e., incline to reach the destination, decline returning). Not a fan of the incline, decline, incline and more incline, decline…incline; you get the picture. It was disheartening on the return to feel like you have traveled so far and nearing the end to pass the “2 miles” marker and it dawns on you that you have TWO MORE MILES to go. UGH that was deflating and without any discussion everyone found the next best spot to take a much needed break to reenergize before tackling some more incline 🙁

It was a great hike, not sure that I will attempt this one again. If I do, it'll be before 6am and I will be more physically prepared to conquer this in a shorter time frame.