Hello all, long time lurker. Gathered a lot of info just from reading the forum. Yesterday, day hiked and summited. Started at 0230 and it was well below freezing above 10000’. When I reached trail camp the small tarn was frozen around the edges at least 1†or so think about 3’ out from shore.
Switchbacks were fine. Couple small sections with ice but easily passable in boots. Got to trail crest at 1000. Still below or at freezing and windy. Thought to myself I don’t know how hikers get lost and descend towards the John Muir trail. Summited at 12. Stayed for about 30 minutes. Then descended. Finished at 1900.
Hardest day hike I’ve ever done. Met several hikers wearing shorts in <30 degrees. Trail camp on Wednesday night got to a low of 17 degrees. Lot of hikers summiting or starting to after 1300.
Scary part for me was seeing several parties starting up the switchbacks at 1600 while I was descending, including warning them of the cold.
After completing this hike it made me think that the day use permit may be dangerous. Lots of unprepared hikers feeling “forced†to summit. A 16 hour day is not easy for most. If I do this again, it will definitely be overnight. Overall a great hike with perfect blue skies.
