"I led a group of LVMC hikers up to Ison Peak and Traction Benchmark. We parked on the side of Cold Creek Road and made our way for the low saddle just north of Ison Peak. Before getting to the saddle, Kris was feeling something wrong in her lungs, so she & Henry turned back. Once at the saddle, we made our way up the steep, loose ridge towards the summit. Monica, Mai & Stephen all turned back before reaching the top of Ison Peak. 6 of us finally made it to the top, out of the 11 that started. After a short break, we continued north on the ridge, descending to the major saddle between Ison Peak and Traction Benchmark, then back up the other side, following the ridgeline to the top of Traction Benchmark. We took a different route down, through the gully that paralleled the ridge. This avoided most of the re-gain that we would have had to do if we followed the ridge back, but we encountered more brush than we would've liked. It was a hot day, so everyone felt a little more wiped than the stats would make you think. The 5 that turned back all made it down safely and Kris was ok, she just was having difficulties with the pollen." — Kevin • May 21, 2017