We started just before 5:30am and expected to finish in less than the estimated 10 hour round trip time. We finished each previous hike in at least an hour under what was expected. This hike came with unexpected (to me) challenges.

Although I had read that the beginning and the summit are the most difficult, it wasn’t until experiencing both for myself that I believed. The beginning is difficult, but doable with a decent fitness level, since it’s the start of the hike. The affects of the altitude at the summit are no joke and just not something you can train for. Had to pause and rest 2-3 times during that last mile.

beautiful, still conditions at the summit with warm sunshine and a small patch of snow.  The hike back down is mostly flat, and therefore proves challenging to make up any tome on the way back down.