I tried this hike in March and April but conditions weren't safe to summit, watching the weather closely this seemed to be the day. Perfect cool day for hiking, not much snow until the saddle which is where I choose to go with spikes, they may not have been necessary but I did feel more comfortable with them especially new the top. The view was AMAZING the clouds from the storm the night before were hovering below as far as you could see with San Gogornio and San Jacinto peeking through. Not sure if it was the snow with spikes that made it tough but the last mile was one of the toughest I've done, worth every bit the sore knees and thighs, because of the view this particular day my favorite so far.