I think the trail we took last weekend was the best route so far. The elevation gain was moderate but the views at the top made it worthwhile. We started early around 7am and the weather held up nicely until we were almost back to the car. Next time we should bring more water though because the last mile was warm. I checked the forecast for next weekend and it looks clear so maybe we can try the northern loop. Let me know if that works with your schedule. I can bring extra snacks and map out the rest stops along the way.

The parking situation was manageable but we arrived before the main crowd. The stream crossing near the midpoint was easy to navigate. Several other hikers mentioned the trail was well maintained. The wildflowers were in full bloom near the meadow section.
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I tried that pasta recipe you mentioned and it turned out better than I expected. The key was letting the sauce simmer for a full hour to develop the flavors. I added a bit of extra garlic and used fresh basil from the garden. Next time I might try it with the addition of some roasted vegetables on the side. The whole process took about two hours from start to finish but most of that was hands off. Let me know if you want the adjusted measurements. I wrote them down while cooking so I can share what worked well. The leftovers were even better the next day.

The pasta type I used was a dried rigatoni which held the sauce nicely. I think a good parmesan to finish made a difference. Might try adding mushrooms next time for more depth. Let me know your thoughts when you get a chance.