We arrived at an almost full Vivian Creek parking lot at 5:15 am and geared up, and headed out at 5:30 am, ½ mile east up the dirt road to cross Mill Creek. Once across the creek and over a short log bridge, there is a steep one-mile stretch on a steep slope. However, once past this first set of switchbacks, miles 1.5 to 5.5 are pretty pleasant and scenic, and a mix of moderate incline with flat sections. This section follows Vivian Creek, and there are opportunities to harvest water up to mile 5.5 at High Creek Camp.

After passing High Creek camp, we went up two sets of switchbacks with ~40% incline and then, from miles 8-9, had to cross four remaining snowfields ~25-50 meters each, all of which we did not use spikes. The snow was slushy but manageable. Then it was just a half mile more to the peak. We went back the same way.

The trail was very well maintained and very easy to follow. Some of the switchbacks were rocky and rooty but a lot of the trail was soft and easily hikeable dirt. The section along Vivian Creek was my favorite especially when filled with the evening light.

18.2 miles | 8 hours up | 5 hours down | 47,000 steps