Since the weather had been very warm recently I was on the trail by 7AM.  The first mile or so is very tough, steep with no shade.  But it was still cool and a little breezy so the bugs were kept at bay.  However, when I reached the tree cover the bugs were out in force.  They're not the biting variety; more the irritating stick-in-the-corner-of-your-eye or fly-up-your-nose variety.  Still a pain, even though I was covered in DEET and had a bandana over my nose and mouth. Despite the fires nearby at Big Bear the views from the top were clear, especially to the south; there was a low brown haze to the north.  There was a nice breeze at the top and the views are spectacular.  I did not ascend to the very summit.  Despite the presence of a ladder and some cables, I did not trust myself to clamber up to the concrete cube on the top of the mountain.  The whole day I did not see anyone else either in the campsite or on the trail.  Coming down around midday there is limited shade from the hot sun, so bring plenty of water.

I've hiked this before in April when the slopes are vibrant with poppies, ceanothus, lupines.  However, at this time of the year, except for the views from the top, the trail itself is fairly humdrum – just a steep, broad access road.