We got a late start (1:00 PM) so had to keep a steady pace to ensure we could do a 4PM turnaround from the summit. 2:40 going up, and we started hitting intermittent slushy snow at about 3.25 miles. It was never higher than our boot tops and we elected not to put on the Microspikes---and then changed our minds coming down and wondered what the hell we had been thinking. The spikes really increased our stability.
The skies were exceptionally clear, making for great views to the north and the south (see pics). It got into the low 50s and the snow got pretty slushy, but as soon as you got into the shade it firmed up. Upcoming weather will of course change this dramatically.
Like all trails that gain 1,000 feet per mile, WTA lists this one as hard. I'd rate the trail as moderate in quality---some rocks and roots mean you've got to be fairly careful of your steps and there are few places where you can just cruise along on a bouncy tread---so it feels like the rating is apt. It's never terribly steep in any one spot (not like Vesper across the way), so the ascending part is easier than on some other trails rated this way.
2 hours and 15 going down put us at the car right at 6 pm.
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