Ira Spring Memorial, Mount Defiance

Had planned on doing Mt Defiance sometime over a long weekend with gorgeous weather Friday and Saturday but did hikes elsewhere. Had Monday off and figured this would be a good day to avoid the crowds. I was right, however, weather did not cooperate, overcast pretty much all day. Set out anyway to cloudy skies and mist. Road to trailhead has 3 or 4 partial washouts that are progressively harder to negotiate. All are well marked, and it sounds like are scheduled to be repaired soon. I was able to get past even the last one with my SUV in 4X highest setting. The last washout isn't far from the trailhead for those that can't make it. First part of hike is on Ira Spring trail and is a gradual ascent in forest on a wide trail. Shortly in, the trail passes Mason Creek and some small falls. Trail forks off to left after about a mile and ascends more steeply. Some talus slopes and meadows are reached and at about 2 1/2 miles a junction with the trail to Bandera Mt is reached. Lots of wildflowers (lupine, tigerlillies, paintbrush, beargrass, etc) on the open slopes, would probably really be something on a sunny day! A short distance later the trail descends somewhat down to Mason Lake and goes over an outlet to Mason Creek. Continued on to junction with trail #1008 and went left (west). Continued ascending through forest up ridge and onto shoulder of Mt Defiance. More wildflower-laden meadows up high. The summit was not completely visible to me so I hoped for a well defined spur trail/boot path. My hopes would not be dashed as a cairn marked the spur trail which was easy to follow all the way up. I had not seen anybody on the trail to this point and had the summit all to myself, unfortunately no views. On the descent I passed 2 young guys and later saw about 8 people or so setting up tents at Mason Lake. They were doing campsite restoration and would be there until Thursday. Forecast was good so they would get some better weather. Saw 4 or so more people on way down. To me this hike is moderately difficult but not too bad if taken at a steady pace. No gruelingly steep parts, trail in pretty good shape, even upper climber's path. No scrambling required. Only 2 or 3 blowdowns, which were easy to get over. Will definitely do this one again on a clear day.