The trail starts by switching back and forth steeply along the western side of the mountain, with a couple of views peeking through the trees. It climbs along the for just under a mile long. Then, it levels off along a ridgeline.
The ridgeline provides a nice little break from the steep incline at the start of the hike. However, the final half-mile stretch to the top climbs upward once more. Just beneath the summit, there is a cable to assist with the final scramble to the top.
The views from the summit of Mount Catherine are some of the best views I've ever seen on any hike!
It took about 35 minutes to reach the summit at a brisk pace from the trailhead without any breaks. After soaking up the sun at the summit for awhile, it took about 30 minutes to get back down to my Jeep.
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