This has to be one of my favorite hikes. The first couple of miles aren't much to write about, but once you break into the higher elevation meadows, you have a landscape splashed with beautiful heathers and dotted with various wildflowers. Of note is the Bear grass which is just about perfect right now.
The trail itself is in good condition, though the summer route (the "main trail" to the right when you see the sign and intersection) is still snow covered. For this hike I went up the summer route and down the winter route. Still not many folks taking the summer route so the trail isn't clear in a couple of spots. The snow is very soft and sections are steep. I was comfortable without spikes, but some may still find them helpful.
The winter route is simply a boulder scramble for 1/3 of a mile. This isn't rock hopping, it's a proper scramble and will require good use of your hands. There were many hikers turning around and not attempting the summit.
If you are not comfortable with scrambling or steep snow travel and you really want to reach the summit, I would recommend waiting until reports of the summer route clearing up. Otherwise, just expect to stop short ...the hike is still worthwhile, the views still fantastic!
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