Arrived at the parking lot around 10:30 am. There were a few cars in the lot but I only passed a few climbers on the way up to the Balcony trail. I was completely alone for the duration of the hike above the Balcony trail. I put on my spikes at about 3100 feet of elevation (not long after crossing a significant stream that runs down the trail for about 20 feet). That was a good choice as the trail was pretty much snow covered from that point to the summit. The snow was soft on the surface but compacted enough that I didn't sink down more than a few inches with each step (and I was fortunate to enjoy the benefits of having a previous hiker break trail through the snow to the top). Was foggy above the Balcony trail so no good summit views on this hike.
‘Praise to those who post-hole before us so that we may step carefully and avoid post-holing ourselves.’
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