In the first part of the hike, which starts out on the relatively flat canyon floor, there were lots of bugs, bees, and anoying horse flies. However, there was VERY beautiful scenery all along the way. The elevation change was extremely challenging on the ascent. More spectacular views on the way up and at the top. The Fern cave was cool. There was lots of frogs jumping around on dried leaves, which spooked me out until I figured out what critter was making the noise (LOL). I saw some hikers at the beginning and at the end of the hike but otherwise I saw no one the majority of the time. So some nice solitude during the hike can be had. There is an optional path over the messa which is about ½ mile shorter (I did not take this route) which ends up at the same end point. The hike was about 6.5 miles with 1-1 ½ mile road hike back to the car at the end. This was one of the hardest hikes I have ever taken, mostly due to my being out of shape and the rapid elevation change. I would not recommend it unless you are in shape and have some time to kill. But overall excellent scenery and lots of solitude, well worth the trip to make the hike!
