I had such a great hike today!! What a kick butt hike. I went up Earl early AM.. at top at 10AM. Cool and crisp fall morning. I looked down at the ridge around the Bean Creek Meadow and decided to head that way to make a loop. Headed off towards the ridge, trying to traverse and I landed at the ridge perfectly... Obviously I’m not the first to think of this!... I searched for a trail, but found boot tracks here and there... so you are on you own here:) It was easy and fun. Go higher rather than lower toward the ridge. The ridge had a path as all ridges do:). I didn’t go quite far enough to find the Bean trail leading to Bean peak. I headed down and did a lot of glissading on all that loose small rock stuff. I was alone and tried to be careful... but not recommended for inexperienced hikers! I did meet up with the trail in the meadow. Lovely place for lunch before heading down. And for all the nae sayers about the road... it was fine!!! I have been on many worse roads than this in my former Prius and now I drive a Chevy Bolt... very low clearance. Just go slow if you need. If was fun, part of the adventure!