I hiked in the traditional direction with the rock scramble on the way up. I found the rocks fun but they did not seem difficult or dangerous. The optional rock scramble area off the trail near Birds Nest shelter offered more challenges. I was pleasantly surprised that it seemed most of the hike was shaded. The downhill section was over 5 miles and I almost lost my toenails (as I have before). I am including pictures which show the trail (blue blaze) going right over rocks, a passage between rocks, and a couple of the nice views. I thought I was "in shape" but with my asthma bothering me these days and the blister and toe damage I got on the way down, the hike took the time projected on the park websites, about 6 hours total. (I am 56, female, and hiked alone.) Note that you are supposed to get a $15 permit using a self-serve box in the parking lot before starting the hike.

There’s lots of people who love to write reviews and say they’re old, or out of shape, or whatever, but can still do it. I’ll be straightforward so no one begins something they can’t end. I’m a high school student who plays sports year round, and I was challenged. The way down is torturous because you’ve already been walking hours and then you have to walk down boring, muddy roads and trails. The rock climb is very fun but difficult. At one point, you have to drop down about 10 feet. There is a foothold about halfway down, but I am 5’3 and could not reach it. If you are my height or smaller, you will most likely need help. The views were amazing though, and the trail was not overly crowded (a Wednesday from 9am-3ish). Overall, a fun challenging hike.

I took my 11 year old who is a strong hiker and loves to scramble up rocks and it was the perfect day hike for us. I will wait to take my younger children, who would struggle with both the distance of the hime and the difficulty of rocky sections. We left very early and were glad because it did get crowded in the later morning. We spent a lot of time enjoying the overlooks, the entire hike was about 6 hours for us.