I did this with Red Doug from another forum who just moved to AZ full-time. This is a favorite hike of his, but he's had some major health challenges in the last few years and is rebuilding his stamina, so we took it slow. It was a beautiful day, although a little warm on the way down.

We were overtaken on the way up by hiker from Gilbert who spent the rest of the day with us as we scrambled over the numerous alternate trails and enjoyed lunch at the top and a cool shady spot on the descent, along with plenty of interesting conversation.

I wish I had known the arboretum was free today, or I would have spent the rest of the afternoon there.