Summary: hit a perfect weather window for a fantastic, trouble-free* hike up to Camp Muir. 4.25hrs up, 2hrs down.
Gear: Layers and gear typical of a winter climb. Waterproof boots. Gaiters. Layers. Sunglasses. Loads of sunscreen. 10 essentials. I didn't wear spikes, although my climbing partner did. This was somewhat problematic for me for the initial half mile of trail, but as the snow became more consolidated, was no issue. I brought snow shoes, and attempted to use them for the direct ascent up to Panarama Point, but this was a mistake. They wouldn't fit in the boot-steps of the bootpack, and I kept slipping on the steep incline. I removed them half-way up.
Trail Conditions: Snow from the trailhead. Bootpack was well established as it seems it's been a while since there has been fresh snow, and elevations below 6000' have been subject to typical, spring-time freeze/thaw cycles for a little while. Trail was relatively easy to follow, but when the marine layer moved in during the afternoon during our descent, we got off course a couple times in the low visibility and hit some pretty deep post-holing snow drifts. Consulting our GPS was essential for proper navigation and getting back on course. No glissade chutes have been established yet, but that didn't stop us from trying anyway. :).
Returned home with sunburned lips and the undersides of my arms. The sun will always find a way in somewhere - be vigilant with your sunscreen! ;)
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