A spectacularly beautiful day, which was a little warm, but so much more pleasant than the record-setting 117F in Phoenix! The alpine meadows were carpeted with brilliantly colored wildflowers, and steady ascent of the well-graded switchbacks provided ever-improving, expansive views. Cumulus clouds passing overhead made for interesting changes in the light, and the forecast proved to be accurate, and there was no precipitation.

The trail was in excellent shape, and there were some insects near the summit, but periodic breezes kept them manageable. The approach roads were generally fine, with some potholes that could easily be navigated by careful drivers or those with high-clearance vehicles.