Nearly the entire length of the trail is exposed to direct sunlight due to the fire.

However, new growth has been observed during the trail restoration effort in the aftermath of the Curve Fire.

The trail heads due north up the steep canyon face above the campground and crosses the South Hawkins fire lookout access road twice.

The second crossing is near the Big Cienega Spring after which it heads on a right oblique toward the ridge and the saddle, which is named Windy Gap.

From this vantage point one faces into a seemingly perpetual wind that blows up from the broad canyon below.