Trip report coming, but just a quick update on the trail - from my dayhike on 8/24:
Plenty of water is flowing on the lower switchbacks - I filled up on #23 on the way up and down.
There are signs along the trail warning of trail work and delays, but there was no work being done today. This was my first visit so I don't have anything to compare it to, but the trail was extremely well marked and seemed in great condition to me.
There was barely a cloud in the sky so staying adequately protected from the sun was probably the biggest concern. It was warm the whole way - I wore light hiking pants and long sleeve hiking shirt which I recommend to hep protect from the sun. The ranger at the permit center told me there were thunderstorms for 3 straight weeks but that they ended around 8/23 so right now is prime weather conditions.
It was a solo trip but there were people generally around (within 15 minutes or so) the whole way- no mountain lions, bears, etc.
