Hey BBH,
For the long hike ( @4-5 miles) I'd recommend the West Trail. Park at the overflow area to begin this hike. You actually start out on the East trail then split off to the left at the fork. (Mystic Canyon is one of my favorite "stop and think about life" spots.) For your shorter hike, park in the day use area and you start out on the Maple Trail and continue on to the left when you get to the fork in the trail for the East Trail. Hike on to the base of what we call the '"stairs". You'll know when you get there. Should be some good springs running all along this area. When you're ready backtrack to where the East Trail splits from the Maple Trail and follow it back to where you started( @2 mile round trip).
Going up The East Trail at the Ponds is where the infamous "killer mile of boulders" is. There is an awesome overlook on the East Trail (not the one that is off trail) which really makes it worth it. We just prefer the solitude you usually find on the West Trail.
Enjoy!!


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