What a doozie! I bought Kahtoola Microspikes just for this summit, and boy am I glad I did! I have never hiked in the snow before, let alone postholing my way to false peaks! Ugh! What a learning experience! I parked at the Ice House Canyon trailhead and started my hike at 0630. It was cold but not unbearable. I was wearing Hoka One One Speedgoat Trailrunners, Injinji trail toe socks, Kirkland athletic socks, long compression pants, 5.11 cargo pants, long sleeve dry fit shirt, windbreaker jacket, sweatshirt, neck gaiter, and beanie. The 4 miles to the saddle were awesome. Steady uphill, some areas steeper than others. Several river crossings, sprinkling of half-standing structures, a few cottages, and a rushing stream! Amazing! Very little dirt covered ice and snow below the saddle. No microspikes were necessary, although I did have my trekking poles with snow baskets to assist. The saddle offered an open area to refuel with some food and electrolyte water. I put on my microspikes after finding the proper trail and seeing nothing but snow on the ground, no dirt trail was exposed. This was the first time I have hiked in heavy snow. The trail from the saddle to Kelly Camp wasn't bad. Some areas were very narrow, but the spikes held firm and the poles were an extra layer of safety. No hesitation at all. After Kelly Camp, the trial took a steep turn up, split into many pre-traveled paths, and became difficult to follow. Using my AllTrails and following faint footsteps, I managed to work my way slowly to the summit. There were several false peaks, a lot of postholing due to unpacked routes, and some choice words for myself. But I kept my mind strong, determined to find the joy in the experience and learn as I went. Eventually, I made the summit in just over 4 hours. After 20 minutes, a good size lunch, 1L of water, and a pep talk, I headed back down the way I came. I was able to follow the trails better going down because I could pay attention to where I was going. It was slow going back to the saddle. Once there, I refueled again, took off my spikes, and set off down the dirt trail. I was so pumped that I absolutely flew down. Total hiking time was just over 7 hours car to car. I learned a lot, overcame negative thoughts, and impressed myself. One foot in front of the other. I was bummed that I didn't see any sheep! I took plenty of food (too much really), and 3L of water that I refilled on the way down at one of the streams. Now that I know what to expect, next summit will be much more enjoyable. I'll be back to do Bighorn Peak soon as well! Win Win Win for me! On to the next…3-2-1 Challenge…Mt Pinos, Sawmill, Grouse Peak!