The road up to the trail head was well maintained. There is still plenty of snow on the trail. But it allows you to cut the few switchbacks on the trail. In the morning the snow was iced over and easy to hike but micro spikes or crampons will make your life easier. I regret not bringing any snow shoes, because during the afternoon the snow became soft and difficult to move through. My recommendations for snow gear: Micro spikes/crampons with an ice axe if you decide to descend Mt Pinos in the early morning to get to Sawmill Mt. Snow shoes and trekking poles for when the sun comes out. We had helmets but never used them since there was no ice on any of the trees.

The hike was challenging with all the snow on the trail, but it gorgeous. The weather was perfect as well, and we only saw one other group while hiking back to our car in the late afternoon. Also my friend lost his ice axe between Sawmill and and Grouse mountain. If you find a black diamond ice axe with a leash please let me know if you decide to return it.