The description for this hike is spot on except for one thing:  you will need to bring extra socks because the views at the top of this hike WILL knock your socks off!!  The hike is steep until you reach Wilson's bench (first mesa) but there's no rock scrambling like there is on Bear Mtn so it's much easier in that regard.  The views are pretty nice starting out and the shade is wonderful (get an early start).  After you reach the mesa it seems not so spectacular compared to the tantalizing, non-stop views on Bear Mountain but the hike along the mesa/bench is a nice reprieve after coming up the steep climb.  At the top it's a nice walk through the forest and then you reach the climax of the hike and it does not disappoint!  WOWZA!!  Go see for yourself.  We saw a mule deer at the top and many lizards.  As for time, we were able to complete this hike in slightly less time than we did Bear Mountain so it did seem easier even though it's longer.  Go soon before the bugs and the heat get worse!