Stairs Mountain

Trail: Davis Path, Mt. Parker Trail, Stairs Mountain Spur, Crawford Spur

Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder

“Bareboot or spikes up to Crawford; too many exposed rocks for snowshoes there. Past Crawford, the snow is light powder so snowshoes were helpful on the way to stairs and resolution but not totally necessary. The Stairs trail was a little narrow and over overgrown (ducking and dodging low branches). On the way to Resolution, we were able to pass through the icy slab going up, but it’s definitely very sketchy and dangerous. But some hero broke out a bushwhack to the left of the slab that we used on the way down and that was a lot better. From Mount resolution to the south knob was not yet broken out, so we broke trail on that section with snowshoes. The view from the knob was very expansive. No real issues with wind past Crawford. The walk out felt very long, pack a positive attitude…”

Trail: Davis Path, Mt. Parker Trail, Stairs Mountain Spur, Crawford Spur

Conditions: Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Small Patches

“Incredible views.”

Trail: Davis Path, Mt. Parker Trail, Stairs Mountain Spur, Crawford Spur

Conditions: Dry Trail

“Not sure if it peaked early this year, or if leaves are just dropping very quickly due to the drought, but the foliage was not as good as it usually is in Crawford Notch in early October. Oh well, still beautiful views on this unseasonably warm day. The 1.8 mile section between Mt. Crawford Spur and Stairs Col Trail is relatively flat, with little elevation gain. Then it picks up again for the last 1/2 mile to the start of the Stairs Spur. So if you've already made it to Mt Crawford, you've done most of the hard work. The rest of the mileage was much easier. Just thought I'd mention it, for those contemplating doing all three peaks.”