Picked this hike to try out my new winter equipment knowing there would be snow on the trail and chance of snow during the day, hit the trail about 7:20 and it started snowing about 1/2 hr into the hike and snowed the rest of the day with near white out conditions near the peak. this was a good example to always be prepared for the unexpected on your hikes. I only came across 6 other hikers the entire hike proper equipment was required including micro spikes, trekking poles and multiple layers. As many have said this hike is quite easy for the 1st 2.5 miles but the last 1.25 miles is pretty tough especially in this weather. I would recommend this hike in better conditions for a newer hiker because of its short distance and lower altitude. The rocks on the last 3rd are pretty cool challenge