Not a creature was stirring, not even, wait, no, yea there were lots of creatures stirring!  Mostly birds, a couple raccoons, our group of three and one other group of two hikers.

This is not an easy hike, but it is not a very physically difficult hike, either.  It’s challenges hit you in other ways.  First off, there is a lot of elevation gain, but it comes in bunches. The first mile or two are pretty gradual, then that third mile shoots way up!  After that, it gets tricky. The trail gets very narrow and follows the edge of what is mostly very steep slopes. What makes it even harder is the trail isn’t flat, but angled and usually towards the edge.  The ground is very soft, so it gives a bit, adding to the fun.  There were also several landslides, most were small and easy to cross, but one was pretty big and still very soft.  We chose to go up and over, but the ground is almost like sand, so we had to use our poles like axes in mountaineering. After that, you’re about half way. The trail stays very narrow, basically feels like you’re just following a game trail, then it also gets very overgrown with chaparral, thistle and other fun plants to bob and weave through. I’ve read reports of people saying they should’ve used a machete and I can see why, especially early in the year. The final mile brings you up along a service road with a pretty gradual incline.

Its not a long hike, there’s definitely harder climbs in other challenge peaks, but the combination of that, the narrow trail, bushwhacking and navigational skill testing makes this a very difficult hike, but an excellent challenge that I feel everyone should try at least once.  Furthermore, the views are amazing!  You could see the snow capped sierras to the east, Mount Diablo to the south, Mount Saint Helena across the lake and Mount Tam further to the west.  That being said, I’m glad I completed it, but still can’t decide if I enjoyed it and don’t know if I want to hike it again.  I’m sure I probably will, i say that about Mount Sizer every year, I just don’t know if I want to!

Ive now completed the ninth Bay Area peak of the year and will take the rest of the year off!😎