We started at Castle Rock since parking is open from 7:30 to 7pm. It was really cold in for about 2 miles even though we had base layer and gloves. It then got hotter as to be expected because it was forecasted to be a sunny day and mostly no shades. We saw deers 🦌 and a wild rabbit 🐰. Having to summit Mt Tam a week prior with no warm up hikes (shorter hikes), this was really a challenge. The view up top is great. Some late fall foliage which we will definitely be coming back for next season. I can only imagine how beautiful the colors are. Overall, this is a tough one due to a lack of preparation but one of the best hikes so far.