We ran a 5 day backpacking trip out of this meet up and around Jtree in March and it was one of the most exciting backpacks we have done. We saw tons of animals, it wasn't too hot, and the elevation gain and loss was neutral. 

Be away that when you are out in the backcountry you need TONS of water caches beforehand. Make sure you put proper protection over them since the bees are searching for water and will attack your cache. 

We were with a trained naturalist for the area so we were following the rules, but respect wildlife out in it's natural habitat!