It depends when you go up. In winter, you have to do about five miles one way with 4000 gain. In summer you can often drive all the way to it or at least to the final gate and take the trail half mile up to lookout. We camped up there before the road was open to enjoy the sunset up there. It was spectacular! I have also been up to it in the snow. Loop at the top, up the road and down the trail. The trail is recommended. The road might be easier to find and follow on a snowshoe trip, but the NW aspect could turn into a dangerous traverse if the snow is deep enough.