This the third new adventure (second newish area after having explored Emigrant Lake twice a couple weeks ago) and the weather complemented a great hike.
Getting there: I-5 Phoenix exit, take Foothills Road past the Barnett interchange. Shortly after is Cherry Lane (r). Continue into the rolling rural foothills to Hillcrest (r) and then to Roxy Ann Road (l). This winds through a residential area and you pass one of 2 gates. The first gate closes at 5 p.m. (winter) and 8 p.m. (summer). The parking area is at the second gate that is signed for authorized vehicles only.
Continue on foot through the second gate and pass the (tempting) first trail signed with a hiker. Do not succumb. A 100 yards past is the second trail that meanders up through a nicely shaded grove of madrones. The summit is easily accessible after an hour of steady up via a series of switchbacks through predominately oak savannah with beautiful vistas of surrounding peaks, particularly conical Mt. McLoughlin (9,495′).