We all met at the Lake Poway entrance ready for a 7.3 mile hike up that was recommended as the more scenic route. However we found this entrance closed until noon for a fishing event and rather than scrap the day, we went up the backside which was recommended by the gate attendant. This was a paved steep climb that was 4.1 miles round trip. It was a rather steep incline all the way to the top where there were beautiful views and unfortunately lots of instagramers taking their time up on Potato chip rock so rather than wait in line we took a pic on a boulder nearby and then descended. It was a good first peak hike of the challenge.