Trail dry and well-trodden, with a few muddy spots beyond the big cairn that marks the entrance to Esther.
Took the old ski lift trail just beyond the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (second time in two weeks I used this trail). It's shorter but tougher descending this way given its steepness and round rocks.
A very hot day, with wonderful views as we rose above the auto road. I guess we looked like crusty old hikers when we summitted as a "crowd" gathered around us to ask what it was like to hike up (versus driving up). Saw a wedding on the top.