Norcal,
I'm no mountaineer and don't know your experience level. I will tell you that someone with my limited experience would find Old Army impossible without crampons. I went up the main chute at Whitney to Trail Crest last month and this thing was far more intimidating; maybe it's the thought of slipping into that icy lake that scares me. I smiled looking up the chute at Trail Camp. Old Army just looks a lot more big and intimidating than pictures convey. I wouldn't feel safe with Microspikes. The entire way to Old Army is clear of snow though (but not clear of horse and donkey poo!). Good luck!
