Wow, this is a gorgeous hike!! We had some issues on the last few but this one reminded me why I love hiking!! Incredible views, beautiful trees, cool breezes, amazing mountain aroma and very few bugs! It's challenging, a lot of uphill, but not so much that your crazy tired at the end. I didn't mind the famous 40 switchbacks, the saddle and last bit up is steep but not as difficult as it looks, just take lots of breaks. The views at the saddle and at the summit are worth every step, really beautiful!
We logged 9 1/2 miles, we're very slow so took us four hours up and 100 minutes down. Very shaded the first three miles.