Ideal hike for a weekday afternoon (Thursday). Started at the trailhead around 3:30pm. Views were clear with dramatic clouds rolling overhead and the occasional sunbreak.
Mellow mood on the trail. Encountered about a dozen other hikers on the way to/from the Balcony. Between the Balcony and the Peak we only saw two others.
Wildflowers are in bloom! We also spotted a plant that resembled asparagus, but was red and white. Poisonous?
The trail to the Balcony is in immaculate condition. WTA and DNR crews have done great work here. The section between the Balcony and the Peak is noticeably rougher, but still passable. There's water flowing on the trail near Museum Creek, but it's possible to cross without getting wet. Still a few small snow patches near the summit, but none on the trail.
No bugs between the trailhead and Balcony. The bugs became more numerous between the Balcony and Peak, but luckily they weren't the biting variety.
The clouds rolled in during our descent and we got hit with a few sprinkles, but the rain held off. Returned to the trailhead around 8:00pm.
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