Though it was in the 30's when I started and only the 40's when I returned, the chill was not too bad. Stripped off the layers within a half hour. Pretty constant incline for the most part but not what I would call hard if you're used to incline.
No snow but some frost if you looked for it. Many fallen leaves but still some yellow left. Very quiet for the most part. I only saw a group of trail stewards at one point but no other hikers–it is Wednesday. Saw ranger vehicles on the fire road that must have been switching shifts and a couple of APS trucks up top working on something.
The view was not much to write home about. I didn't even see a snow topped peak until I started to trek down. This was from the pit toilet near the peak end and better moreso from across the road at the proximal end of the building. The pit toilet was trashed. Trash can had not been emptied and so people just continue to throw trash in that general direction and lined up water bottles were on the hand rail. Decided behind a tree was the better bet.
Finished the last peak with a day to spare!
Responses
The visibility for your hike looks so much better than my hike this summer. I really enjoy hiking this time of year for that reason. Fall and winter are the best time of the year for hiking in AZ.