Last year three of us went 2/3 of the way up this trail and i knew that the other two would not be in a hurry to do it again. So this summer I had to do it alone. The only thing worse that struggling up this horrific trail is having to come back down. Therefore, i planned to return via the traverse along Defiance Ridge, Mason Lake, etc. I made it to the summit of Putrid Pete's Peak (aka P3) in about three hours but the traverse along the ridge was slow and messy. I finally bush-whacked down to the trail which seemed like heaven. It was still a long hike out to the trailhead - 7 hours total. On the climb up and on the traverse I saw no one. On the hike our it was the usual Disneyland crowd.
Overall, i do NOT recommend this trail and route to anyone but those with some skill, stamina, and a masochistic streak.
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