Ok this hike kicked our bum's big time!! We waited until October because we knew it could be scorcher in this area.  It started out nice and cool at 7:00 AM, but by 8:00 it was already too hot! 20 years ago I was here in Henry Coe State Park and I recalled saying I would never go back! I now remember why.  Even though it was a holiday we only saw one other person in the park who was fishing at Frog Pond assuming everyone else knew to stay away. We did see the biggest lizard ever (see photo) and woodpecked decorated acorn trees (see photo) but all in all it was too hot and desolate with mostly too steep boring fireroads. Sorry to post a negative review but with all the wonderful hiking trails in the Bay Area, we are hoping this hike is not offered in the 2023 challenge. One and done for us. 15.35 mi, Elev. gain: 4,068 ft, Time: 7:12. PS – best out houses I have even come across out in the wilderness (see photo). Nice sunset on the ride home.