Had the same experience with "traffic" for your hike. Camped Wednesday night for Thursday one-day hike, arrived early afternoon and there was only one pad left by nightfall, and alot of cars in the trailhead. Few hikers seen on-trail Thursday am, our group of 3 was first to summit (before 11) and only ran into 3 groups above Old Army Pass. Different story below OAP - on the way back down the Cottonwood Lakes area had at least 25-30 setting up camp sites, plus another 8-10 groups hiking up (most with dogs(!)) between lakes and trailhead. Either a popular weekend spot, or some who couldn't get Whitney Zone permits?
