Tramway was delayed due to high winds. So started later than we wanted. Checked in at ranger station than headed out! Beautiful trail w trees, rocks and some ice at higher elevations. Elevation was hard to deal with – starts at 8300ft w 2500’ elevation gain puts you hanging out in higher elevations for longer than I’ve ever been. Started hearing from people coming down the trail without summiting early afternoon as sundown was earlier and I wasn’t even halfway there (and I forgot my headlamp!)! Just kept plugging along (thanks to an encouraging gentleman wearing blue!)! Made it to summit around 3:00pm w the help of another hiker (thanks!) as there is no trail up the last set of boulders. Super cold at summit! Took pictures and headed down quickly while it was still bright. Friend ended up w some altitude sickness so we slowed our pace until finally we made it to the ranger station around 6:00. It was pitch black out there! I used my phone as a flashlight and had enough battery.  What a relief and a huge set of accomplishments for the mental and physical aspects of hiking Mount San Jacinto!!