The parking lot was a wind tunnel of death at the beginning and had many layers to start with. As we started up the mountain, we noticed quickly that the weather was going to be beautiful and clear. Given the caution that was suggested when deciding between Ski Hut trail and Devils backbone, we decided to hike this as and out and back hike: up Ski Hut trail and back down the same way without doing devil's backbone.

The hike was super nice, clear air and nice people. Did not stop at the ski hut on the way up, but did start to feel the altitude at about 9000 ft. I was dragging towards the top and it was more than just physical fatigue. I was starting to get a headache and felt weak. At the top, had food and relaxed. Stopped at the Ski Hut on the way down for a snack and a bathroom break.

Made it back to the car with an extreme sun/snow burn that proceeded to take about 3.5 layers of skin from my neck and face over the next 2 weeks. Note to self: reapply often with sunscreen.

Overall a great day and great photos to show others.