Jeffrey & Dean: Yes, we do hike all the way up there, and it is pretty remote, esp. in the winter (it's a much easier spring route once the road opens). We were the only ones up in that area, and I doubt it had been done yet this winter . It's nice having a fit young partner to break trail all the way! We had to gain a bit over 4,000 ft. to get to the summit, and it kicked my butt. Avy danger was quite moderate since we hadn't gotten any new snow in over a week, and cold temps kept it frozen in place. We always wear transceivers and carry shovels and probes in any case. Luckily I've never had to use that gear to dig a partner out.