The plan is to climb three of the 4,000 foot summits in NH. Tom [4051 ft.] is the northern most peak of the Willey Range, has good views. Mt. Field [4340 ft.] has limited views while Mt. Willey [4285'] probably has the best views of them all, providing a fine 270-degree view encompassing the Presidentials, Crawford Notch and the eastern half of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Steep dropoffs add a sense of drama and lofty isolation. Warning: It is a steep descent down Mt. Willey.

We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker. If you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us or want to head off on your own, this isn't the trip for you. Likewise, this trip isn't for you if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you or want us to go on without you.

Expect winter conditions and remember that it will be getting darker earlier now so we may finish in the dark. All participants must be members of GayOutdoors and RSVP via our website. This allows us to keep track of and communicate with each person who signs up and participates in our events.

Dogs are permitted on this hike provided they are well-behaved, you bring a leash in case you need to use it, you clean up after them, and you have a copy of their most recent rabies vaccination.

On this moderate pace one-way trip we will use Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Willey Range Trail, and Ethan Pond Trail. Along the way we will summit Tom, Field, and Willey. You will need to be prepared for wet, muddy, snow-covered, and icy conditions.

We will hike about 8.5 miles and climb about 3,400 feet ~ for perspective the top floor of the Empire State Building is about 1,250 feet. It should take an average hiker about 8 hours to complete this trip ~ this estimate is adjusted to allow for slower travel during winter because of heavier packs, includes time for changing clothing to regulate temperature and putting on/taking off snowshoes or microspikes along the way.

This trip is considered STRENUOUS because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. I did all my research for this trip using the Appalachian Mountain Club's "White Mountain Guide", a trail map, and the Internet. You should become self-reliant by becoming familiar with the route, terrain, and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

Click below for more information about each peak:

• Mt. Tom [from peakbagger.com]
• Mt. Field [from peakbagger.com]
• Mt. Willey [from peakbagger.com]

We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions and there is no guarantee that we will complete the entire event as described here [e.g. we might not reach the summits]. While the objective of this event is to enjoy ourselves ~ your safety and the safety of the group is the most important thing. If you underestimate the demands of the trip' overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you may put yourself or others at risk ~ consider this before you decide to participate.

Hiking safely is about being prepared to respond to an emergency situation or being able to spend a night in the woods if you have to. Bring your own stuff and know how to use it. Click here are refer to our winter hiking list that describes the minimum required items to participate in this event. Click here for the current weather conditions.

After The Hike:  Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the fireplace and enjoy a home cooked meal with dessert! It's BYOB and it costs $5 per person.   

Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night for $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk! 

We will be meeting at the parking area on the southwest side of Route 302 about a mile south of the Willey House Site. According to Google Maps this spot is 164 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours and 51 minutes to drive there.

Click here for driving directions. Once you open Google Maps simply change the generic starting point [Boston, MA] to your own starting point to get customized directions. We will be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Since this is our ending spot we will leave a few cars here and then drive the short distance to the Avalon Trail parking area to begin our hike.

Carpooling is encouraged so you are responsible for coordinating your own rides. Use the comments section below to communicate with other members who may also be looking to share a ride.