This was my first time as well as all my friends that hiked with me, on this trail. We didn’t know what to expect other than the limited knowledge we got from the internet. Most, if not all, blogs that I managed to read about this trail, there are only three words that summarized it… up and down… very fitting indeed.

I don’t think I’d been to a hike with so much up and down terrain. And I don’t I heard so much curses the entire hike????????????. When I put in a few miles up, going back to the parking downhill was a treat to my tired legs. This wasn’t the case here. It seemed to me that when they developed the access to the peak, switchback was unheard of????????

I just kept reminding myself that ..this is a challenge I signed for and have to sucked it up and down????????

Terrain aside, the trail was well marked and kept reminding us of what’s ahead. There were some odd stuff that you don’t normally find along a foot trail— a rundown vehicle, a stop sign at a halfway point and multiple reminders that the gate will close at 6:30pm, somehow this entertained us.

The trail is exposed and would be better to hike during colder months, to elimjnate the heat factor.

Despite the misery, as usual, it was a fun hike. We also met a couple that now becoming our hiking friends.

Lastly, we found it relieving to find the place outside a ranch selling some fresh eucalyptus leaves, lavender and fresh fruits not too far from parking.