Great fall color hike with minimal crowds. Previous trip reports are great resources.
I was hesitant about the road up to Hart's Pass given previous reports. However, I found this road to be one of the better forest service roads I have driven. There are some potholes at the start of the road, and again once you're approaching Hart's Pass; all were easy to navigate, no need for a high clearance vehicle. The first few miles of the road were comparatively more narrow, but with plenty of places to pull off and allow another vehicle to pass. Then came the cliff part; a little unnerving due to the sheer drop off but still with pulloffs to pass. After the cliff, the road was super mellow. Minimal parking at Brown Bear PCT Trailhead, no bathrooms at trailhead.
The trail itself was mellow. Very gradual incline and decline. The trail had intermittent patches of larches and rock scree. Colors were popping today, but needles were starting to fall. Air was smokey, progressively getting worse throughout the day as the wind picked up blowing it in my direction. No water on the trail this time of the year. Plenty of places to camp if you're inclined to.
Only saw a handful of groups and trail etiquette was exceptional.
My GPS tracked me at 9.75 miles, 1500ft elevation gain/loss to get to Grasshopper Pass and back to trailhead.
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