This hike was one of the most beautiful I have done. The different topography and the views were amazing. This was my highest peak ever. The elevation was not bad at all, however I think that I was a little tired from not sleeping well and from the elevation gain.

We started by taking the last Tram up and filling out our camping permits at the Ranger Station. We packed all of our water because we were not sure how much was going to be available at camp. Our packs were heavy. We carried 40 pounds the 2 miles to Round Valley Camp Ground. There were quite a few people at camp, but we found an area to pitch our tents, though mostly in the dark because of our late start. The temperatures began to drop quickly, so we ate dinner and went to bed. I was cold all night, so I did not sleep well.  It was a full moon, and at one point it was like a street lamp was on above out tents because it was so bright. I was too cold to venture out to take a look at the full moon.  We got up the next morning, had breakfast and lightened our packs for the hike to the summit. That made the hike much easier. It began to warm as the sun rose, and particularly when not under the shade of the giant pines.

As previously mentioned, the topography was beautiful with giant granite boulders and fallen trees. The views were spectacular, but pictures from our phones did not do it justice, just too much haze. To reach the summit, we had to do a little rock scrambling, but nothing too bad. We didn't stay there long. The trip down was much faster. We got back to camp, packed everything up and headed the last 2 miles to the Ranger Station and the Tram.

I would do this hike again, maybe from a different trailhead.