[Porsche-O-Phile]

I’ve done it twice - both one day assaults since it’s virtually impossible to get overnight permits (they usually put a few one-day ones out at the ranger station for people showing up the day before however) and there will be rangers to stop people and turn them back if they don’t have the proper permit. Maybe they fine people too, no idea but it wouldn’t surprise me these days.

One day is hard. Start at 4-5 AM and hike up, up, up forever, deal with the worst pounding headache of your life. Then get to the top and enjoy a short stay and head down. The descent (as has been mentioned) is very hard on the joints and your knees will kill for a good week afterwards if you’re not careful. I packed three Sierra Nevadas up with me (appropriate) and after one I was pretty giddy from the workout and altitude. I gave the other two away and definitely didn’t need them. It’s a hoot. Bad weather would seriously be bad up there. Check weather carefully and pack accordingly. It gets mighty cold before the sun comes up too - even in summer.

There are no... umm... facilities the whole way past the switchbacks (there is or was a solar toilet at the bottom IIRC which creates quite a pungent aroma, but nothing after that, so if you need to go #2 you’ve got a problem...)

It is VERY exposed on the switchbacks above the treeline, be sure to be prepared and check your weather! Good luck!