I have a 450 feet elevation gain in 6.9 miles on the way in. I hardly notice it and I'm at work by 7AM. And of course it is a downhill run all the way home so the 100+ degrees and very dry air are not an uncomfortable experience.
Then again I started commuting in May when it was getting hot. I have the cold commutes of winter yet to experience when my entire commute will be in the dark.