I wanted to see what the ledge looks like after a fresh snowfall, and the recent snowstorm provided the right opportunity. The "snow conditions" status bar doesn't offer a suitable description, so let me just say the whole place was covered under several inches of fresh powder with the trail itself mostly compact snow, and about a foot of snow at the ledge itself. Not much had frozen yet so climbing up the trail wasn't too difficult, although getting back down was a bit dicey. I had good shoes on but no traction devices at all, not even poles. The views at the top were absolutely gorgeous, especially with the low clouds still hanging around and the sun occasionally filtering through. Somebody who was up there yesterday made a snowman on the ledge. I then ventured up to the second and third ledges as well, but they were mostly cloud-covered, which meant I quickly got cold and headed back down.

Sometimes getting the perfect photo is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. I headed up to the Ledge just after Noon to check out the snow, and as I ascended the trail the fog parted ways just at the right time giving me this moment of surreal bliss.

Once at the top it turned out there was only a dusting of snow, and much of it had already melted. The nearby mountains all wore a white cap with a distinct line where the freezing level was.

There was a steady number of other hikers on the trail, but not enough to feel like it was ever busy. Pretty surprising for mid-day on a holiday weekend.

My friend and I took advantage of a bluebird March day to hike the the ledge and beyond to East Peak. No snow except for small bits here and there in places perpetually covered by the shade. None speak of on the actual trail.