Mailbox Peak

Mailbox Peak felt like April today. There are just periodic stretches of ice on the trail (only when you exit the forest) to slow you down. No major snowfields to contend with. Didn't put traction devices (crampons) on for the ascent, only for the descent (and not all the members of our party did so).

I recommend taking the boulder field (it's almost completely bare) over the trail. The worst ice was there (as usual) as the trail drops down and around the back side of the mountain before emerging for the last glorious 700'.

Assuming the Peak doesn't get a major dumping tonight, it should be this way for the next week. Take advantage of it! Leave your snowshoes behind but take crampons or stabilicers for those few icy stretches.