Stearns Trail

The parking lot at the trailhead is halfway up the mountain and has access to both ends of the loop. This is a somewhat technical hike with some sand and loose dirt mostly surrounded by high desert shrubs. Many sections are so narrow that rocks and obstacles can't be avoided, and the brush on the sides of the trails hits your legs. Hiking the loop counterclockwise, the downhill section leading to the parking lot is mostly sand and would be quite difficult to climb in the opposite direction. The hike is basically a climb to the top and then a nice loop along the ridge before descent back to the parking lot. Once on the ridge, you'll find many nice views of the valley below.