First of all, wanted to mention I lost a tan hat with a neck flap, and also a black thermolite glove on the lower trail, if anyone on here happened to pick it up... let me know.
Conditions were good the day I went. Remarkably clear, a bit on the warm side. I got lucky because the next day the smoke returned. Started my hike/climb around 6:45 am which is really a bit late when it's warm and sunny. The snow was starting to get soft on the way up and that will slow you down a bit if you're day hiking. Start a little before dawn and you're golden. The trail is melted out up to around 8,000 ft where you have the option of venturing out on to the snow. From that point it is (or was) pretty much snow all the way from lunch counter to Piker's Peak, which generally melts out a bit. From there, the true summit is melted out on the south-facing slope, making a slow slog through soft scree. The old fire lookout on the west edge of the summit was only partially melted out so that people were climbing on to the roof.
The true, official, super-duper summit is due east following a path through the sun-cupped snow on the summit. Look for rocks and a USGS marker. Give it a tap of pride for having hauled your tired, oxygen-starved ass up to 12,281 ft. To be honest, after having climbed Mt Shasta in July, this was a bit harder and took me a half an hour longer to get up. It ain't easy but the view is tremendous. On this day, everything from the bright white cap of Mt. Baker down to Mt. Jefferson and even the tops of Three Sisters in Oregon, just above the growing layer of smoke.
Going down, the glissade chute just below Piker's Peak isn't looking good. I hiked it down to where I could see the chute because you've really got to watch out for rocks. Smooth sailing (or butt gliding) from there all the way to lunch counter, which made for a 5 hour ascent and 3 hour descent.
I really think this is a must-do for locals. I've since moved out of state but make it a point to climb good ol' Adams every summer when I'm visiting.
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