I agree with dcveeneman. This hike is great, but doing it in one day can be taxing. I do this hike about twice a year, but I'm also very cautious. It's a beautiful hike and can be done easily over a two-day period if you stay at Phantom Ranch. If you do decide to do it in one day like I do, please hike with a friend, take A LOT of water with you, drink as much water as you can before you start out on the hike, and rest frequently, especially during the midday heat. I stop a lot while hiking this trail to take photos. I also bring peanut butter, Power Aid, lots of food and water, and then I stop for several hours at Indian Gardens. If in doubt, plan a two-day trip. The desert is beautiful, but demands respect and caution.

Hansenfotos obviously knows how to do this hike safely, but it is amazing what one sees on the trail. I last did this hike a couple of weeks ago, when there was several feet of snow on the ground. About two miles from the top, we came across a family with young children, dragging airline luggage down the trail. They told us they were going to camp out at the river. After they moved on, we made a quick call to the Ranger Desk and alerted them to these folks. The ranger on station at Indian Garden intercepted them, apparently with their luggage in tatters. Nighttime lows were in the 20s, so I hate to think what would have happened to these folks. At best, it would have been a miserable night.