There are two trails up. The old trail and the new trail.

The old trail has about 4,000 feet elevation gain on less than three miles. The new trail is about 8 miles with the same elevation gain. Both are painful in their own way. I prefer the old trail up, the new trail down.

Not everyone is able to make it all the way up. Know your abilities. 4,000 feet elevation gain are no joke, you need to have a basic level of fitness. Don't assume you can wing this with sneakers and being overweight and without any level of fitness. However, if you are reasonably healthy and fit, just take your time.

Parking at the trailhead is an issue. The lower trailhead is full by around 8am or earlier on weekends. The upper trailhead has a gate that is locked at 4pm in the winter. If you don't make it back to your car before then, you'll be locked in behind the gate for the night. There is no cell phone reception at the trailhead. Plan your trip.

In winter, there will be snow and ice above 3,000 feet elevation. You should dress accordingly, have the right foot ware and bring traction devices (spikes) and hiking poles.

I've done the peak twice so far, once in December, once in January. On a clear day, the views are absolutely stunning.