This hike starts off very calming with a long descent down from Chantry Flats then proceding through  lush forest with a number of easly traversed streams.  once you begin the climb up to and passed Sturtesvant camp and onto the peak, there are two VERY important words to remember BUG SPRAY!  Even having repeatedly applied insect repellant, the flys, gnats, and mosquitos were oppressive to say the least.  As you climb higher, the gants and the mosquitos eventually disappear, but the flys are with you all the way to the peak.  I would highly recommend to carry more water than you think you'll need to get you to the peak, especially late spring through early fall as the temperature climbed more than 30 degrees during the hike and topped out more than 10 degrees above the forecasted high for the day.  The signage at both the start and the beginning as well as along the trail is faded and in some locations VERY easy to miss, so keep track of your hike.  The descent from the peak is easy to miss so make sure you are getting on the correct trail.  This hike was a training hike for an upcoming ascent of Mount Whitney, and we learned a great deal for our day on the mountain.