Started the hike at 6 am and went out and back via Devil's Backbone. By the time I got up to the Notch, the sun was beaming. Full sun exposure for the majority of the hike but there are spots here and there where you can take a break in the shade. The stretch up the ski slope after the Notch by the fence and the stretch just before the summit were the steepest parts. Highly recommend at least taking Devil's Backbone for the return/descent because the Top of the Notch is a great spot to take a break (food, beverages, restrooms).
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I totally agree about taking Devil’s Backbone on the way back stopping at The Notch. My preferred route is a loop, up past the Sierra Club Ski Hut to the summit, then back via the Backbone > Notch and back to Manker Flats. But out-and-back is fun, too. We’ll be (hopefully) doing that for the Climb for Heroes on November 11th: https://socialhiker.net/event/climb-for-heroes-2/