The turn for the parking lot is rather tricky to find. Pay close attention to the GPS as you get close to the turn.

Cloudy day in Leavenworth. We hiked this in the late afternoon and were at the top of the ridge around 5pm. The views were fantastic. On the way back down we noticed a large beehive right next to the trail (probably less than a half mile from the parking lot). The bees didn't bother us...just something to be aware of. 

3 miles up hill equivalent of 180 flights of stairs. Several places to stop in the shade. Trail is dusty for large sections. Not a beginner hike, but worth it when you make it to the top.
Parking at the trailhead is not the best, but it will accommodate 20ish cars before people are parking in between trees.

I am very happy I found the mountain fairy slippers!  I missed them on the way up, but stopped to look at the honeysuckle on the way down and that's where the fairy slippers were.  I was definitely looking in the wrong spots on the way up since I'm used to the much smaller Pacific fairy slippers.  I also came across a phantom orchid!   It was not blooming, but still a treat to see, along with several coralroot.  The balsamroot is mostly gone, most the the lupine is just past peak, but still gorgeous.  Tolmie star tulips everywhere!

One very disappointing thing was seeing a very large group of mormon missionaries (they were all wearing their name-tags) going up, several of them cutting a switchback, one person picked flowers (and I did say something to him, but probably fell on deaf ears). 

The trail was easy at first then became a little steeper and switchbacks were the main course, until the desert at the top, which was so sweet! Savor the amazing views!

Started hiking at 5pm which meant that the trail was nicely shaded all the way up to the top of the ridge. This made for pleasant cardio on the ascent. Still lots of wildflowers, lupine mostly, but also lady slippers, mariposa lilies, penstemon and others. Trail is in good shape with no notable hazards. The air in the Leavenworth area is a bit smokey from the new Second Creek Fire.