Mount Madonna 9.6 mile hike - California, United States

We continued on Merry Go Round to the BART section of the trail.  We found a crystal clear spring water which I used to refresh and reenergize myself.  I threw caution to the wing and drank copious amounts of unfiltered water. I had not problems.  You should filter though.  

We continued to the Loop Trail all the way to Summit Road.  Along the way we were rewarded with an incredible marine breeze that flowed down the canyons.  This moderated the temps down into the high 70s and made it perfect for hiking.  We headed down the Meadow trail to the Lower Middle trail to the Ranger Station where we refilled water (it is a trickle of a fountain.  Takes a while).    We admired the White Deer, found a bench mark and explored the Miller Ruins before heading down the Loop Trail to junction with the Ridge Trail.  Note: The Sprig Trail is maybe a mile more should be a much better route back.  The Ridge Trail is really a fire access road with loose gravel and is not fun to come down.  The grade is pretty significant and with loose gravel.  Again, no fun!  We continued ridge trail to ridge trail until the junction With Merry Go Round.  Shortly after, we were back at the trailhead.