And that is California.
As to the safety of the ascent, no one need hesitate who is free from settled prejudice against a side-hill.

You will soon let the reins hang from the pommel of the saddle.

One who chooses may jump off and walk for a change.

Only, if you are at the end of the procession, be careful to keep between your mule and the foot of the mountain; otherwise he will wheel around and wend his way homeward.

If toiling along near the summit, absorbed in the beauties of the prospect, it might be awkward to feel the halter jerked from your hand and to see the mule galloping around a sharp bend with your satchel, hung loosely over the pommel, bobbing violently up and down, and perhaps hurled off into space as the intelligent animal rounds the corner.
Yes, it is safe, but there is a spice of excitement about it.