Yes, it's a hike but totally worth it.
Yes, just get there early and take your time.
Yes - were from San Diego and it was great.
Yes, my retired age parents did it coming from about 700ft elevation. My mom had no problem. My dad struggled a bit and we had kids with so we stopped a lot for breaks. I think the whole thing took us about 1.5 hrs to climb. Definitely prep to take your time climbing. (The rangers at the top told us they take about 45 mins to climb it every day). It's do able but it is a strenuous hike.
One thing you must know , is of your tour start at 12 you must be there for at least 1hr before , speciay if you have kids because is a long way to the top, good exercise. Great for hiking and everybody can go...
It was steeper than i originally thought and remember. But take your time, and bring at least 3 liters of water per person to help and you'll be fine. I met people who lived on the beach in Georgia who did not look in shape at all, and they didn't have a problem
It's pretty steep, but there are plenty of rest areas.
Yes, just take a lot of breaks
I'm from an elevation of 509'. And this was my first hike of the year. The significant elevation increase did have my lungs burning from time to time. I needed to take periodic, short stops to regulate my breathing. I can say two things, first, if possible, take a few smaller hikes before this one, and second, the payoff is 100% worth the effort.
Yes! It's no problem!
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