Dayhiked to Grasshopper Pass starting at Meadows Campground about 1 mile north of the described trailhead.
If you are staying at the campground and don't fancy driving, a faint waytrail leads from near the campground to the Pacific Crest Trail starting directly across the main road from the campground entrance road. The access trail is faint but somewhat followable, with a semiworn path and a few cairns, but even if you lose it just follow the path of least resistance up through the downed trees from the wildfire burn, staying on the right (north) side of the drainage channel for the path of least resistance and least steep terrain. Alternatively you could just drive to the trailhead, but what's the fun in that, or walk the road, but yuch (the occasional jeep zooms past at 35 mph kicking up a huge cloud of dust).
Anyway, however you reach the PCT, the trail is in perfect condition, and the very minor ups and downs and expansive views are as advertised.
Trail is currently snow free. A few snow patches are still there near the trail, but the marked seasonal water sources are dry—not sure how far down the respective drainages you'd need to tromp to find flowing water.
This is a beautiful and extremely rewarding dayhike that starts at 7000 feet and stays in the Alpine zone for stunning and expansive views.
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