The Trail into Willard Canyon starts out pretty steep climbing about 400 feet in the first half a mile. It is so nice that they put a Rest-Rock here. After you catch your breath, find your smile again then continue on. The Best is still to come!
The first time we did this hike (today) the group in front of us headed straight up the hill after crossing the stream. Not realizing that the correct trail is more of a gentle climb up the side of the hill, we followed them. It got the calf muscles warmed up but was not the best way to start a hike. I would suggest that you climb the 400 feet on the more gentle sloop not straight up. Either way you go, when you get to this point you may still be thinking it is a good place to catch your breath, so sit on the rock, enjoy the view and trade some swag. The cache is just a little off the trail(not actually on Rest Rock) 