Started around 4:30am. Hiked in then dark about two hours. Sunrise was nice but there was some cloud coverage. The trail was clear. The hike was nice and cool. The last hour up we began to feel the heat. The peak was special because we had it to ourselves. Huge black flying bugs kept pestering us while we ate so we made it quick. This was one of the most enjoyable hikes as the trail was not as rocky as others I’ve done. On the way down we encountered a couple. Then two lady hikers then a single guy.  Many more hikers followed in groups.  We we’re glad we were coming down at that point as the heat was getting intense. We made it to our cars around 9:30am to find many many bikers on the road.  Oh and did I mention we encountered a rattlesnake! A first one for me.