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| - OK, so everything that they other reviewers say here is true - it's a super quick 1400 ft. elevation change within a mile and a half;
Expect to climb stairs, climb rocks,and climb boulders! Within the first few yards, you start to ascend. In the first half a mile, you will see mostly stairs made out of timber or rock.
Expect some slippery parts; and the part with the railing isn't as bad as it looks - just don't let it intimidate you, and going up or down, it's sometimes good to get that momentum going.
The last mile (which is pretty much 2/3 of the hike) was pretty much climbing boulders, though you definitely get a 360 degree view from the top, and it's pretty breathtaking.
The trail can get confusing, and contrary to popular belief, I didn't think that it was marked well at all! I only saw two or three mileage markers, and only one blue reflector!
There were times in which I seemingly took the "road more traveled" only to have it come out going in a slightly different, yet steeper, location! Most of the time, you're really not on a trail, but you just try to navigate through the easiest path/openings withinthe boulder/rock piles!
You gotta use your leg muscles, hands, and everything in your body for your climb, though if you're fit, you can do it.
Use sunscreen - even though I didn't/don't use it!!! LOL
Bring water and bring snacks - esp on a hot day like today (103 degrees);
I dunno if it's because they've done this a few times before, but it's amazing how many people don't seem to adhere to the "better be safe than sorry" policy with regards to how to prepare for a hike - esp with all the descriptions of how intense this hike is.
Cuz I knew I was gonna be climbing rocks, I wore jeans, a t-shirt, and hiking shoes; lots of people wore skimpy running stuff and running shoes and went shirtless. I dunno, but if I start rolling down the mountain, I want to be protected...
Didn't see everyone carrying water, or wearing hats, or wearing the right shoes, either.
At some point, I tried to gather my balance andintuitively went to grab for something, and it was a cactus with sticklers! Beware...
As I was descending, the metal railing was SUPER HOT and burning from being in the sun all day, so you might not want to grab it (if you see the sun on it); someone else said this here, but bringing gloves would be good.
Everyone says that the parking sucks. Considering the popularity of this place, the lot is small. I hear there is a shuttle; they do make it illegal to park ANYWHERE in the surrounding streets - except for the small section of Echo Canyon Parkway, which had about a dozen or so spaces located right outside the gates.
I decided to go when nobody would want to go, and that is at 1 pm in 103 degree weather! ...sure as shit, there were a few parking spaces open!
You get one of the best workouts ever with a view - for free. You can't beat them apples!
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