I knew this hike would be tough judging from my recent summit of El Cajon peak in San Diego (approx. 12 miles with 2400 ish ft of gain). It took a lot of mental and physical toughness. There were many times where I was just breathlessly pep talking my legs so they would keep moving through the flow of lactic acid. I thought I was in better shape but this hike definitely gave me a run for my money. The trail was great! Very slim in some areas with some pretty far drops but you just hug the mountain and keep moving. There was a TON of poison oak! Some growing over the trail so I would definitely wear long sleeves and tights. I wore shorts and somehow ended up not getting any on me. My boyfriend and I got to the parking area at about 6:50 and we ended up parking a half mile down the mountain and had to hike up, buy parking and then hike back down so we added a good mile and half or so to our total (word of advice, get there by 6am). Overall, it is a kickass hike. I know the rest only get harder so I’m glad I have a base of what to expect.