This was my first time hiking to High Point Palomar from the Oak Grove trail.  Started out about 7:00 Am. It was very chilly and was glad to be wearing a hybrid puffer, gloves and hat.  About a mile in, I was warm  and hiked the rest of the way to the peak in a tank top (6-pack tank of course). The first two miles of the trail are very steep and rocky, with lots of loose rocks and gravel.  Poles are highly recommended for stability.  Miles 2-3 is a nice steady incline on a light sandy fire road. On the remaining ascent to the summit, it was all fire road with snow patches increasing all the way.  Parts were very icy.  Poles and/or micro spikes are helpful.
At the summit, the views are amazing. Stayed about 45 minutes and enjoyed lunch and proseco. The descent in opinion was technically more difficult than the climb, due to the icy roads  and the the very very rocky final two miles.  It’s tough on the knees and feet.  I think I actually prefer the snow over the rocks. ????
At the end I can honestly tell you that I felt thrashed.  I think the length and the terrain, mainly the rocks, made the final two miles unbearable.  Be sure to allow plenty of time to get back down the mountain.  Walking in snow and ice will slow you down. We started down about 1:30 and barely made it back before dark.