I'll be up there this weekend. I have a cottonwood lakes permit but might opt to go the back way over cottonwood pass. Will probably make the decision after I talk to the rangers and fellow hikers Saturday morning.
Make sure you talk to a Ranger or fellow hikers who are familiar with current conditions and can assess your level of skill. It's been my experience that desk Rangers will usually try to scare anybody out of doing almost anything. It's understandable, but their paranoia can turn into your missed opportunity.
Be safe, have fun.
