It was my first time hiking this peak.  I got a late start.  I debated going due to the recent wildfire smoke we've been having.  Fortunately, it turned out to be a pretty decent day.  The skies were even blue.  The distance landscape was still hazy with a layer of smoke though.

When I arrived at the trailhead parking lot there were no other cars.  I did not see one person on the entire hike, only a few chipmunks.  The only people I did see were camping at Maiden Lake.  I took the spur trail on the way down to check it out.  Thanks, Jeff for recommending.  This hike was well-marked.  It looks like they installed at least one new sign.  I only went off trail once near the top when coming back down, but I quickly realized I was going in the wrong direction.

This was one of the tougher hikes on the list.  10 miles and 3000′ of elevation gain let me know I'm not a young pup anymore.  It was also warmer than what was forecasted.  I wish I had got an earlier start.