The trail approaching Bierstadt is somewhat muddy at lower elevation, then somewhat icy at higher elevation. Traction is very nice to have, but not essential. On the way to the Sawtooth, a bit of snow conceals the gaps between boulders and makes for a little postholing, but by in large, the Sawtooth ridge is free of any difficult snow or ice. The traverse to Evans is similarly tame - mostly a pure talus scramble with no interference from snow or ice. The descent gully near the Sawtooth is very navigable, though a bit slippery with loose snow. The marshy section at the foot of the gully among the willows is icy but still quite wet and swampy. This was the only place where my feet got wet (soaked), and I was sporting Gore-Tex trail runners.
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