Lots of native bees and butterflies out enjoying the abundance of wildflowers.  The first bit of the hike is very challenging.  Don't give up, just take frequent breaks to enjoy the flowers and the butterflies enjoying the flowers.  This bit is washed out in places with a lot of rocky scree and pretty steep.  There are quite a few shady areas to catch your breath in which helps a lot.  Once you come out on the fire road it isn't terribly steep.  It is just a slog and not much shade until you're nearly at the top.  It was very breezy up top and I went from hot to comfortable to sitting in the sun to warm up in a short time.  The views are stunning and there is plenty of shade it that's what you want at the top.  Plus a flight show courtesy of some ravens and ?vultures? or ?condors?  either way, large birds.  We hit the trail at 0721 and with the hour long picnic at the top it was a total of 7 hours 37 minutes.