I came into the area looking for a short hike for the day and stopped at the first trailhead and started climbing. The trail is steep but in very good shape except for some overgrowth in the avalanche chute area where I brushed up against a number of nettles. The weather was good, the forest was quiet and I passed two hikers going in for an overnight. Other than that the trail was all mine. I found bolete mushrooms at all elevations but most were well beyond their prime. The views were beautiful on the upper ridge and the meadows were still carpeted with wildflowers (lupine, monkey, paintbrush, bistort, elephant heads, asters, yellow violets).
I forgot to mention that this wasn't an easy or short hike at all Over 4000 ft elevation gain makes it quite difficult, but well worth it in my book.
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