Trip report

This WAS one long day hike from Dinkle to the summit. The trail begins by slowly climbing through open range and stands of Quakies while following an old four-wheel drive road. After about 2 miles of hiking you will find yourself at Thomas Lakes. At Thomas Lakes the trail winds up towards the base of the shoulder of the mountain. The trail becomes steep with switch-backs which up to the ridge you follow west to the summit.
Once on the ridge you will you are above tree line as you climb and traverse further to the southeast. After the last the ridge becomes narrow and exposure but not too bad. That this points you will walk mostly on rock above tree line. At about 11,800 feet there is one section of trail that is really more of a scramble than a hike and the terrain becomes steep and rocky. You may end up using your hands for assistance as some of the rock in this area is loose and footing can be tentative.For the last couple of hundred feet the trail continues its climb along the ridge overlooking Thomas Lakes. Near the top you kind-of go around back as you see the highest point. Psyche!!! This is the real false summit!!! And there are three false summits on the way up. It a real piss’r!! To think you are there and then have another summit to hit and then another. But you will see the real summit in time just keep going. Just before the top there’s a huge cairn which is a memorial to a woman climber that lost her life on the mountain a few years back.

Time to sleep again!