we started at around 8:30 AM. the parking lot and adjacent bathrooms or gated and locked off. So you have to park on Ortega Highway. It was probably around 45 maybe 50° outside. I think I overdressed. I wore base layer under my pants. It was totally unnecessary. No beanie, no gloves, no jacket, or no buff even. I would recommend long sleeves and pants just to avoid the scratches from the bushes. Perfectly clear day. It had rained the day before. But surprisingly, the trail was not that muddy at all. Random spots of mud and puddles. it was a nice gradual climb. But a mile before Summit was the challenge. It was sharp incline with boulders. Highly recommend poles. Clean trail. Beautiful views from Summit. And it was nice to see the snow capped mountains from afar.