This hike was the best and the worst. The forest service trail marker at the trailhead indicates 5.4 miles to the peak. Lies! Based on my gps it was more like 6.5 miles one way. This was a tough peak, and on the descent my knee caps felt like they were going to pop off. I may have had an emotional outburst or two (sorry guys) because of my discomfort. We took some substantial hour long breaks which extended our total time on the trail to 11.5 hours. This also forced us to don our headlamps for the last mile or two of the hike, which also felt never-ending. I forgot how disorienting the wilderness becomes at dusk and there were a few moments of panic that we weren't going to be able to find our car. At that point though I was so tired I could've easily slung my hammock up anywhere and gone to sleep. Regardless of the struggle, I feel super accomplished (as I always do) and can't wait to tackle the next one!