This trail was the most challenging I’ve done. It was difficult, for me, lung capacity – wise just getting to the saddle, I rested several times. (I am in decent shape, but have E.I.asthma). After the saddle, when I turned the corner, I almost said- “eff this”. But kept going, rested while waiting for people to finish dragging themselves up the stair kinda things on their way out. It got interesting with all the cables- very challenging in parts but also fun! I got to the  very steep almost vertical area and again almost said – eff this- cause I wasn’t sure how to get up it, and I sure wasn’t sure how I’d get back down, but then a group came and I was able to watch them descend at least. So I ascended, it wasn’t really as difficult as it looked like it would be. It felt like the top would NEVER COME and I cried, for real, cause I was just over it. It was cold, and WINDY AF.  But I made it. And, I made it down. There were several areas where I was worried about how i’d get back down, but the cables really made it a non issue. I did slip once not at a cable area, and fortunately fell backwards, just back up the trail and my pack helped avoid damage. I did this hike solo. I feel no need to ever do it again, but if I did, I’d probably want to have a buddy, Justin Case.  It was thrilling  and  awful at the same time. I started late, after noon, so the whole way to the saddle was in the shade.  60s temps.  Gloves for sure helped.