Got an early start and had the trail pretty much to myself for most of the way. Kahtoola spikes or Yaktrax were an absolute must a little after mile 3. I ran into two older gentlemen on their way down that were very adequately equipped for the weather and trail (layers, insulation, gear, poles etc) but said they had to turn around because they forgot to bring spikes. The snow obscured the trail a little just before the final ridge and a saw several “trails” that were mostly straight up so I just winged it. After reaching the final ridge the wind was howling so make sure you get your shell on for that final climb on the exposed ridge to the summit. I’m very happy I chose this hike in lieu of the [heavily trafficked] Mount Wilson hike.