Be aware the gate usually closes just past Heather Lake trailhead in the winter so it adds a lot to the mileage if you want to do it as a snowshoe. I never see anyone backpack up there, but there are some nice flat places with water and views. You might even get the lookout though that is becoming increasingly popular so never count on it. There are lovely meadows at the top which have better signage now as people were getting lost in the rocky area. It is steep in places, but the views are amazing. It is tough to get dogs to actual lookout because there are large, tall rocks to cross. We carried ours in years gone by. This trail can get really icy in fall, and I see many unprepared people up there. Take microspikes if it's been cold.