After leaving home in the dark, we got a pretty early start to be sure we'd have plenty of time.  Having done this hike before in August 2019 on a hot day, we knew it could be a long day, but today was thankfully much cooler.  Starting at Mitchell Creek insures you get to do about the maximum elevation and the Eagle Peak Trail even adds a little to that with the dip after that intermediate peak.  Taking the Mitchell Rock Trail also provides a fun early sight and viewpoint with rapid elevation gain and shade in the morning, should that be needed.

Eagle Peak is a good rest point, nearly halfway up with amazing views.  Be sure to look over at it if you go back down via the Deer Flat and Mitchell Canyon Roads because it is a very rugged peak and one of 4 different types/ages of rock that ring the summit which are quite evident in that view.

Don't miss actual summit, inside the visitor center.  And read about how this was the standard survey point for much of the state for a long time.  The mountain boasts amazing views, but that also means a great many places can see that summit.  There was a great view, too, of most of our route coming up.

The road down is steep – you do have to burn off 3200 feet of elevation after all.  But at least the footing is mostly good and less technical doing the loop this direction.  We found lots of tiny acorns along the way – maybe stunted by the drought?  Yet, there was still some water in Deer Creek at the base of Eagle Peak – a point pretty deep in the canyon.  If you plan ahead and get the “Interpretive Guide”, there are about 10+ points of interest to help entertain you on the last mile back to parking.