A very interesting variation on this hike is to take a
side trip up to the top of Miner's Needle.  Just below Miner's Summit you will
notice a long switchback that takes you to the furthest point west from where
a

"use" trail then continues west up toward the saddle below the Needle. 
Once up on the ridge, the terrain is strikingly smooth rock with

huge boulders strewn about.  The trail remains visible and steepens
significantly as you approach the base of the Needle.  The Needle is comprised
of three separate spires with some nice flat spots in between offering

spectacular views.  It would be a technical climb to the top of any of the
spires.

If you are heading down to Barkley Basin from the summit
it is also possible to take the old alignment of the Dutchman trail.  It is
low on the opposite, or west side of the ravine and its remains can easily be
spotted.  Although the entire trail still exists, the bushes encroaching on it
make for slow going which is kind of a shame since it is a significant
shortcut.  There are remains of an old camp and someone mysteriously bored
thumb-sized holes in all the small boulders that line the trail for quite a
distance.  I have no idea as to their purpose.