This is definitely not a beginner hike; be prepared, as a good lesson comes later in the narrative. After 3/4 mile up a dirt fire road and across a river wash the trail goes up very steeply to where the old permit check point is. After another mile or so it begins to level a bit past Camp Vivian Creek through some great meadow views up the sides of the canyon until you hit about two miles a switchbacks that lead to Halfway Camp. A bit of respite then more switchbacks. At about 9,000′ the trees begins to thin and eventually fully exposed to the elements the rest of the way. There were still large snow patches along the sides of the peak but the trail was clear. One of the faster pack in the group had altitude sickness leading to severe dehydration but made it down safely and the slower pack in the rear turned around 6 miles in after they realized the summit would take too long. They did not want to descend in the night. If you are experienced and good with altitude it is strenuous but not overbearing (fast pack made it up in about 5 hours), start early, especially if you know you move a bit slow, and you can beat the heat of the day going up. The sweeping views of Mt Jacinto peaks as you ascend are phenomenal. May not do again any time soon but definitely a feeling of accomplishment holding the 11,053′ sign.
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