Hike around barren lake (6,416') to Conrad Glacier. Ascend glacier S to obvious low pass at 7,200' (Note: Alternatively, as shown in Beckey, one could ascend SSW and up snow finger between cliff bands, but snow finger is steep and may be broken up). From 7,200' pass, traverse WSW across Meade Glacier and gain the S ridge of Gilbert. Scramble up the W side of ridge to summit. 4-5 hrs. No basic credit is given for a shorter route using only the Meade Glacier (little more than snowfields) and not the Conrad Glacier. A technically easy climb; beautiful alpine benchlands with many elk and goat. A 2 or 3 day trip. Alternate, shorter but harder approach, for loop trip: From TH, hike almost 2 mi, turn right on old trail #1131 (signed as "Not Maintained"). At large swampy meadow, go around on right. Trail gets hard to follow, but forest is relatively open. At 5,400' or before, avoid cliff bands and box canyon by ascending NW through open timber to benches at 6,000'. Follow way-trail to waterfall at Conrad Creek or ascend to upper benches at 6,200' (5-6 hrs).