Started about 7am- there were still spots but parking was certainly filling up.  The first (and last) part of the hike on the road is tedious in the morning, and hot in the afternoon.  Seems worth it to skip that and take the ski lift up to the ski lodge!

After the Ski area the hike is more interesting.  Devil's backbone is a great trail.  I was nervous after all I had read, but it was my favorite section of this hike.  The last bit up to the summit was pretty easy, even though it's not so much a trail as it is a mess of paths through the rocks. Just keep heading up, up, up and you'll find it!  The summit was busy but not crowded.  Since there's no shade I had a snack and headed back down the Devil's backbone.