Yeah I have been to that trail system a few times. The main loop is about three miles and it is pretty well marked. There are some steep sections near the creek so you want to watch your footing there. I usually park at the north lot because it is less crowded. The best time to go is early morning around 7am before the heat sets in. There is a nice spot about halfway where you can see the whole valley. I would say it takes about an hour and a half to do the full loop at a moderate pace. If you want a shorter route you can take the connector trail that cuts across. That one is only about a mile and a half. The views are still good just less dramatic. Make sure you bring plenty of water because there are no fountains along the way.

I also saw some deer last time I was there so keep an eye out. The trailhead has a small parking area that fits maybe fifteen cars. On weekends it fills up fast so getting there early helps. Let me know if you need more details about which turnoffs to take. I have a map saved that shows all the alternate routes if you want me to send it over.

I started my tomato seeds indoors about six weeks ago and they are doing really well. The key is to keep them under the grow lights for at least fourteen hours a day. I use a small fan to keep air moving which prevents damping off. I transplanted them into larger pots when they got their second set of true leaves. The varieties I am growing this year are Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Sun Gold. The Sun Golds are always the first to ripen usually around mid July.

I add a little fish emulsion every two weeks once they are in the ground. You want to bury the stem deep when you transplant because they will grow roots along the stem. I also put down straw mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent splash back. I learned that trick from a friend who has been gardening for years. So far I have not seen any pests but I am watching for hornworms. They can strip a plant in a day if you are not careful. I go out every morning and check the undersides of the leaves. If you want to start some now it is not too late for a summer harvest. I can show you where I got my seeds if you are interested.