As of  6/09/19 the road is closed right where the trailhead begins.  This doesn't affect the hike and in fact  makes it easier to find trailhead when driving. You need to walk towards the next gate and enter on the opposite side of the highway from where you parked.  There was no shade, but it was only in the mid 70's.  However, there was no breeze and if it had been any hotter the final 1.5 miles/1000 feet would have been even more brutal. Spanish bayonet yuccas were in bloom everywhere, along with Spanish broom which is a yellow flower that smells like jasmine.  It was a little buggy towards the top, but there were also swallowtail butterflies everywhere!