The rapid warm-up ascent on the face of the Log Slide ridge is quickly rewarded by a drastic change in the pitch of the trail.  Like the First Leg this portion of the trail was created for timber retrieval, and what otherwise would have been slow going up the bottom of a steep canyon is a pleasant half mile walk along a gradual rise with great views of the canyon scenery.  It's also the introduction to Little Willow Canyon.

The extreme slopes of the First leg give way to a flattening of the trail where it approaches the top of the Log Slide.  Unfortunately the slide can't be seen from the top because it is obscured by trees and easy to miss.  The trail continues level until it reaches the edge of the ridge.

With a sharp bend the trail enters Little Willow Canyon for the first time.  The change is dramatic, both in geography and vegetation.  The scale and steepness of this beautiful canyon are immediately apparent.

The orientation of the slopes and changes in altitude are responsible for a surprising variety of trees.  The side of Little Willow opposite the trail faces Northeast and most of it is covered with a conifer forest.

In contrast the trail side of the canyon faces Southwest, and with heavy exposure to sunlight in all seasons is a true high-elevation desert.  The area may be unpleasantly hot on summer afternoons but the trail is periodically shaded by runs through scrub oak tunnels.  Gnarled trees attest to the unique climate.

A relative lack of vegetation leaves the trail vulnerable to erosion.  No switchbacks exist on the Second leg, a half mile-long gradual incline rising about 700 feet.

Scott:  Rounding the face of the ridge into Little Willow Canyon, the trail gets real nice compared to Leg 1's elevation attack.  This is the best part of the mountain to make you feel like you're making some quick progress.  Even if you don't plan on going to the summit, this is a great trail to quickly get away from the city and enjoy the grandeur of the mountain.

Jeff:  A couple of small slides have nearly obliterated some short segments of the trail, so be careful crossing them.

Andrew:  No doubt, I nearly fell down one of those washouts.  Watch your footing on the way down when you're tired.  But after the rude introduction of the First Leg, the Second is a well-earned cake walk.

Ryan:  You're all sissies.