How long it takes to climb depends on the route selected, the physical condition of the climbers, and the purpose and needs of the climb, and the conditions. For most people in good physical condition with good weather, 8-10 hours for the ascent should be sufficient. Four to five hours should be expected for the descent back to trailhead. A person in good physical condition can make the climb through Avalanche Gulch in one day with cooperative weather and conditions. However, more people are successful in reaching the summit when they take two days.
Most people like to go part way up and spend the night to accustom themselves to the elevation.
There are three principal camping location on the Avalanche Gulch Route. A small camping fee is charged for this private, backcountry campground. The plus for camping here is that you are ready to accomplish the steepest part of the climb fresh from a night's rest. The problem is that the ground at Lake Helen is rocky, the winds generally strong, and the temperatures cold. The third option for camping on the route is the upper Ski Bowl.