This was our second attempt to hike this peak.  The first time, the weather thwarted our plans,  the hotline said gate open, but it was not.  Trial number 2,  we chose a route that had no gate!  (Because we only had 1 weekend left to meet the goal,  and rain was in the forecast for the upcoming week).  The first  3 mile part of the  trail is very doable.    We chose the “short cut ” route as described online to shave off almost 6 miles round trip… BUT.. The ascent had us crawling up through brush, and what felt like bouldering.  I now understand the beauty of switchbacks!  At the top, the view was great, but there is no placard!  We did not go back down the hard way, we went down the regular way and that route definitely was a “normal” hike!!!!  This ended up being almost 13 miles.  If you are an “average hiker ” like myself, I would suggest do the maple springs route instead, and double and triple check after any type of rain if the gate is open.   (I am so proud to know that I can meet the challenge of this kind of hike, but it was not my favorite.).   So many challenges were completed on our six pack of peak journey!    I am so thankful that I completed it!!!