After scrambling up Dome Rock earlier in the day, we walked the 3-1/2 miles out to The Needles, a set of granite spires overlooking most of the western Golden Trout Wilderness. The trail was a little tougher than we expected, although we also probably thought we were in better shape than we actually were. In any case, the trail winds it way along the north side of a forested ridge with nice views to Farewell Gap and the Kaweahs, eventually reaching a saddle beyond which it climbs steeply up Warlock Needle to the set of stairs and catwalks at the foot of the USFS fire lookout perched precariously atop the rock. The first view of the lookout was exhilarating, even from a distance, but it paled in comparison with reaching the top of the stairs and walking along the knife-edge ridge along the catwalks with hundreds of feet of exposure on both sides. Thunderstorms were approaching from the east, so the ranger encouraged us to not stay long – Chris was quite relieved to get off the top of that height sooner than later, and the hike back was really enjoyable. The lookout building has since burnt down, and we’re not sure of the status of the trail today.