I'm new to hiking and backpacking and chose this to be my first trip. I arrived late and self registered because the office was closed. Spent the night at Moss Lake campsite. Climbed the summit in the morning. Took a lot of effort with 30 extra pounds strapped to my back but managable. The view wasn't as great as in the above photos because it was a very foggy and cloudy day. On the upside it meant I had the whole place pretty much to myself. I only saw three other people the whole time I was at the park. The 30-40 degree weather and random occurances of sprinkling rain probably had something to do with it as well. I also hiked a lot of the loop trail and the Echo Canyon trail. Echo Canyon trail is not "paved" very well in many parts and you will find yourself trying to navigate from rock to rock while simultaneously attempting to avoid splitting your head open from a slip. Rewarding hike though. The primitive campgrounds are in good shape and have nice flat areas to pitch a tent. I saw some deer, wild pigs and of course birds. I'd love to go back when its a nice day out to get the great view as well as explore the caves. One final note, keep an eye out for the trail markers, usually they are in view of each other but occasionally I would find myself venturing out into dead ends that appeared like trails.
