We started our hike from the Central/7th Ave. entrance.  This is quite a hike initially.  You will be out of breath if you're not a cardio master.  I've been working out 5 days a week for the past 6 months and I was huffing and puffing a bit.  I felt like a chump because I was having a rough time at first, but after the initial hill, it's not bad.  

The views of Phoenix are beautiful, but like Dan E.'s review said......"Don't let the beautiful desert deceive you" it is toasty up there even on a beautiful 85 degree day like yesterday.  Always bring water!