This is a beautiful trail that switchbacks up next to Yosemite Falls, then curves around the backside of El Cap.
This is really the best time of year to take on a route like this. There was no water going over the falls, which meant that there were almost no people on the trail -- ideal for running! However, I was a little sad that I didn't get to see the falls in all their glory -- I guess it just means that I have to go back!
All in all, I am pleased with this effort. I was sick for the week prior to this run. I started out feeling fairly strong but quickly tired as the trail got steeper. I was having a hard time breathing (yay chest colds) and ended up enduring a coughing fit for 20 minutes on the summit of El Cap (thank goodness there were no other people up there to witness!) I think that this could go under three and a half hours for me, and I plan on coming back and trying again. Another runner that is well-suited to this kind of elevation gain (and not sick) could easily pull this off in under three hours. It was a perfectly beautiful day in the valley and I highly recommend this epic trail!