We did the Echo trail ascent. While it's mostly a hike, there are some parts that could be more aptly described as a climb. Best to have more than 20 oz of water per person and maybe a small snack, banana, etc.. Recommend carrying your water in a bag on your back. It's difficult to climb certain parts of the trail while holding onto a bottle of water.
Parking is controlled and very limited, but spots open up throughout the morning. Echo trail parking lot is located at the entrance to a residential neighborhood. On the day we visited, a gentleman in a black Jaguar laid on his horn as he was unable to make his way through traffic to his street. Not surprisingly, we heard later that police were ticketing cars that were in line to get into the parking lot.
There were more than a few people who chose to listen to music without headphones, which was a delight that reminded me of riding the bus or subway.