We followed 105 book advice and started at the lower parking lot and were glad we did, as on the way back we didn't have to do more elevation to the parking lot. The flowers are out though perhaps more sparse than usual as there apparently hasn't been any rain. The first 5km are down and easy on a wide trail - the next three or so are tougher with a lot of elevation gain but the plateau at the top is all worth it: rather swiss alps looking. When we got to the base of First Brother, we could see that a forest fire over in Cathedral Park had grown and decided to make our way back down. More horseflies than mosquitos... met about 10 different groups of people on the trails on a Wednesday. Took us a good eight hours with photos and lunch and bathroom stops and butterfly/grouse watching. Still felt like we could have walked further which is a testiment to a flat trail without many roots, rocks or steps (ie easy to take small steps). Note: 633m of total ascent. And saw three Hoary Marmots along the way which was super exciting for me... I think they were pretty endangered not that long ago.