I left the trail just past The Pool and crossed over to the North side of Spruce Creek. I knew it would take time to bushwhack up the ridge, but I underestimated the denseness of the forest. It was tough! I expended all of my energy getting up it and the rest of the day was slow going. I kept regretting my decision to take this route, but I persisted to the summit. From Stapps, Stones Peak was an easy walk across the tundra. Coming down was just as slow and I ran out of water and daylight. Lessons learned!