General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Parked in Limekiln SP and set out on an exploratory, reconnaissance mission up sea to sky route. I had no intention to reach Cone Peak, rather to see what the trail was like as I have never attempted this route and wanted to see what I may be up against should I attempt the trek to the peak and back someday.
Alvin trail was beautiful and in fantastic shape with no obstructions and wide-open trail
The Twitchell use trail section has a few downed trees before you get to the creek crossing one of which required a moderate climb over. The area at the creek crossing was so beautiful and reminded me of an enchanted forest.
There were a few tight spots just after the crossing and I and to crawl under one blowdown.
Once I got to the elevator section, it was open and clear with a good view of my goal, but not having been up this before, I was a bit anxious with veering off course. This apprehension and anxiety was not necessary as upon my return down, it was obvious to follow the ridge line regardless of the numerous obscure paths that intertwined up the ridge. The climb was ridiculously steep and with my head down, I was surprised how quickly I reached the junction of the Stone ridge trail. I decided to continue on and push up the steep slopes and even decided to push up the obnoxiously steep grind to the start of the brush section below Twin Peak.
Feeling good, I considered continuing on to the top of Twin and perhaps Cone as it looked to be so close, but I opted to turn and head back as I needed to get back to the car before sunset and with a later start, I feared that I would be pushing my luck.
Hike down was rather brutal, and I wasn't fully prepared for the stress on my feet/toes.
Beautiful backcountry - didn't see another person past the Twitchell junction all day.
