Hello everyone, My husband and I successfully made it to the top on July 6 in one-day hike.
I will focus on the conditions of the trail. From the portal to the Trailside Meadows the route is fine. No worries about that part-just enjoy the beauty!
There would be snow on the trail up to Trail Camp. Crampons or micro spikes are necessary there since the snow is slushy and abundant. We planned to use the switchbacks vs. the chute. However, when we approached the chute, the access to the switchbacks was not visible. We decided to do the chute. While climbing it, we saw the cables and climbed up through the snow to the cables to use the switchbacks. The slope to the cables is steep but short, so it is manageable. We got on the switchbacks (you need to scramble up a rock to get to the switchbacks, but it is ok). We walked for 20 min on a dry switchback trail. Then we lost the trail because of a big patch of snow, so we scrambled up some rocks trying to find the trail again. From the rocks where we were standing (still could not see the trail on switchbacks), the only way to find the switchbacks was to walk through a steep field of snow. Since we had micro spikes and hiking poles, and it was dangerous to cross a steep field of slushy snow for us. So, we scrambled up on more rocks, and then walked through the snow to the steepest part of the chute and finished the climb by the chute to the Trail Crest.
We used the chute to descend. Honesty. I want to advice you all to use crampons and an ice ax for ascend and descend on the chute because the snow is slushy and the slope is very steep, and micro spikes of are no good in those conditions. For example, I was wearing micro spikes, and on the way down, the chute the slushy snow gave way and I slid a great distance, but managed to stop the slide with lots of effort. There are rocks on the chute, and it could be a dangerous slide. Crampons and an axe would have helped. If you are willing to glissade, review the techniques and, please, do not wear crampons and have an ice ax.
PS. I actually cried upon reaching the summit - my reaction to the majestic beauty of the mountains and to the sense of accomplishment. My husband and I did not feel effects of high altitude. It depends on a person, so we were just lucky.
