This was the longest and highest elevation gain hike I’ve done. The first section of 3 miles were very steep with lots of switchbacks through oak and pine forest with around 2k ft elevation gain. The second section of miles 4-5 to Limber Pine Bench were easier and nice steady incline. The final section were switchbacks up to the peak but I couldn’t find the trail since it was covered in snow. I decided to take the shortcut but it turned out more difficult and took longer time. At mile 6, I didn’t see any trail or footsteps in the snow, I decided to take another shortcut which cut my hike by one mile and hiked all the way up to the peak. However, it turned out to be a very bad decision. The way up was very steep, lots of loose rocks, some sketchy areas with very deep snow, easy to slip/fall, dangerous and difficult, would not recommend taking shortcut. I followed the trail going back and that was a longer route but it was so much better. On the way back I got off the trail a few times so I would recommend checking the map every mile or so. Overall, this hike was not too bad but the snow and my bad decision of taking the shortcuts made it challenging.