started the trek about 2pm. parking lot had few cars, but plenty of open spaces. hit the trail and up we went. for those who are unfamiliar with this hike, the grade is comparable to mount si, but with half of the hike in open area, rather than all of it in the trees. the avalanche chute was no problem, as it is cleared out and the trail continues thru. about 2.75 miles into the hike, a few snow patches needed to be crossed. at mile 3, you either have to start walking in the snow, or just walking along side of it up to the scramble area of boulders. we stopped at the boulders due to the fact ton of snow remained up to the lookout, and we did not have any gear for stabilizing ourselves on the narrow ridge to it. so we had some grub and back down we went. took about 2 hours to get up and about 1.25 to get back down. overall id wait it out a few more weeks and hope the snow clears. it was little icy and slick, but if you wanna make the effort its also do-able, we just choose to say screw it.

The Cap'n and I had never been up before, didn't quite make it this time. Very late start after a very late night out. The trail isn't really all that steep compared to the many steep trails we've done now, like Old Si, but it's consistently steep-ish for 3 whole miles, which is kind of draining in hot, muggy weather. Had to rest a lot, drank tons of water. Pretty views out across the valley.

Shortly after the lookout finally came into view and we hit the first snow patches, storm clouds blew in, one after another, with a little rain here and there. We repeatedly questioned whether we should keep going, especially after hearing a few peals of thunder from across the valley. We were swallowed by clouds occasionally from this point on.

Cut around a few of the snow patches on a dirt track on the valley side. Strapped on microspikes for the steep stuff. At about 300 feet of elevation below the top, the boot track followed the now continuous snow up along the ridge line adjacent to the boulder fields. Snow sloped deeply toward a bowl to the right with water running out from under, not something I'd trust to be safe. I understand that the summer trail goes that way, but there are no tracks there whatsoever, so I don't think it's okay until it totally melts out, though I really have no idea.

We soon started crossing one extremely dubious snow bridge after another between/next to the boulders. When I realized how bad they were, I started hyperventilating as I crossed. There was sort of a trail through the boulders here and there, but it looked like staying off the snow would involve extensive boulder scrambling, and by now, it was getting late, and we were kind of tired for that sort of strenuous travel.

We saw plenty of other people had come up and down, including a featherweight trail runner that passed us, but I also could see where poles had punched through the voids. Since the Cap'n is truly a giant Viking, both extremely tall and built quite large, we decided that the double dangers of possible lightning strike + chance of a much heavier than average hiker punching through dubious snow bridge and breaking leg(s) resulting in a $4000 SAR rescue = time to turn around and return another day. Excruciating decision, as the lookout was was literally something like 800 feet of distance up the hill in front of us, but a relief to not constantly worry about injury or death.

We'll be back later, after the bad snow bridges melt out and we haven't been out partying all night beforehand. If you go, would advise you to be very cautious on the snow along that ridgeline.

I started around 5pm to take picture of the sunset from the fork. The trail is in excellent condition before the last 0.5 mile. The last 0.5 mile are mostly under snow, but it is manageable. Just follow the footprint carefully and you can reach the peak. Be very careful for the soft snow near the rocks.

The trail from the parking lot to the turnoff to Granite Mountain was a little soggy, but no actual issues involving mud- so it is in excellent condition.

The switchbacks up from there were quite clear and yielded some new views that have appeared since my last trip up there (avalanche debris field gives a good clue as to how it got cleared) However there are no blow-downs blocking the trail at all!

At 4,400ft... the snow starts fairly abruptly with a decent snow field. You can skirt the field to the right on some boulders but any approach on the snow should be done with snow travel skills and the proper gear. The actual approach to the lookout is a mixed bags of boulder hopping and careful snow travel. Due to the time and safety concerns- we just went to a decent panorama spot and called it good.

The spine to the lookout has some fresh avalanche scars in it- so be careful and don't be afraid to turn back :)