We started at Alexander Basin TH at 7:30 am. The skies were gray and it was raining … the first section through the woods was quite steep and then you will ascend through very lush aka overgrown foliage until you cross a field of boulders. By then the sun peeked through and we saw a moose resting in the meadow. He ignored us so we proceeded uphill via the boulders and a rather steep climb to the ridge from where you proceed to the peak. The views are stunning in every direction! We also spotted some very friendly chipmunks. We only encountered one trail runner at the peak and then 3 more hikers when we were almost back down. Overall a very strenuous but rewarding hike! No bugs!