This is a great trail, one that I will hike again in summer. Cool, sunny, and great conditions, until….
At about mile 5.2 the Microspikes went on. They are essential with ice and snow on or obscuring the trail. A couple of times I used my trekking poles. The trail had some new snow from Wednesday and no one had been up since. I lost the route a couple of times and found myself postholing and bushwhacking to get back on track. I was making great time and feeling great, but due to this, near the top I got fatigued and really slowed down. This hike kicked my butt and got me scared of San Gorgonio! Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day on the Peak and I had it all to myself.