It takes you from the Desert Scrub ecological zone to the Pinion Juniper zone. The contrast is interesting. As you walk up the trail, you can actually see the environment change. On an average weekend you might meet 6 to 10 people along this trail. It takes you to the base of Mount Wilson, then Oak Creek Canyon and then Rainbow Mountain.
Oak Creek is a very good example of the type of stream often found in the Great Basin.
It is snow fed and starts deep within the canyon. As it makes its way to lower elevations, it waters a variety of environments and sustains numerous plant and animal communities. Eventually it disappears into the desert becoming part of the subterranean water table. If your interest is photography, bring a lot of film. There are countless photo opportunities on this trail.