The trail is relatively easy for the first 3 miles or so, and then steepens a bit up until the last 0.36 miles which is really steep and needs getting over boulders. It is an easy start to completing the SoCal 6-pack of peaks, if you are in that challenge. The last time I was here I gave it 5 stars, but this time only 3 stars because of bugs bugs bugs. Oh, so many bugs and relentless. The trail is a combination of shade and not, while it is generally content up slope, it does have enough flat or down slopes to give hikers a break from going always up. After the “four-corners,” where several trails merge into one large open area, the trail gets a little steeper but nothing really challenging. It is easy to miss the last right turn to the peak–look for a short mile marker of 0.36 to Sitton Peak. This part is challenging, with the added problem of not being able to stop a minute to rest in fear of bugs swarming. So, just need to go through it fast while swatting mosquitos off! Won't be like this long, I assume. Take plenty of bug spray and a net if you can and that should make it easier–I left both in my truck as I was in a rush after getting caught in a traffic jam making the hour drive into two hours+. Overall the trail is about 10 miles start to finish and that may be the reason for rating it as hard or moderate-hard, but not due to steepness. The parking lot across the road from the trailhead is quite large and there is a water pump in the middle section, Great for washing up and cooling down after the hike. There are bathrooms in the first section of the lot. The sign says it is drinking water. The candy shop across from the parking is well stocked with drinks and some sandwiches, and well, candy. Overall a nice hike which I recommend, with the exception of the time of the year that bugs are out in force!