This winter hike traverses one of the most spectacular routes in the White Mountains that including climbing 3 four thousand footers: Monroe, Eishenhower and Pierce!

 

It starts on the western side of Mt. Washington on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to reach the Lakes of Clouds Hut [closed in winter] under Mt. Washington's peak, and we will take a right above tree line onto Crawford Path to the Monroe Loop and summit Mt. Monroe [5,384'], drop down and then regain the Crawford Path past Mt. Franklin [5,004'] to the intersection of Edmunds Path. We then follow the Eisenhower Loop to the summit of Mt. Eisenhower [4,780']. After that back to the Crawford Path and if anyone wants, we can tag Mt. Pierce [4,310'] on the way down. This above tree line route has magnificent views in all directions. To sign up for this hike, you should be an experienced winter hiker, who has recently completed hikes of at least 8-10 miles, and who consistently hikes at or better than book time.

 

Dogs are discouraged on this hike due to the uncertainty of conditions. If your dog has experience with long hikes of this nature in winter conditions and you are confident that he/she can handle this advanced hike, please email us to discuss.

 

Perfect weather is an absolute necessity for this winter hike. Dangerous exposure in sudden storms above tree line on the Crawford Path can overcome unwary, overconfident, or unfit hikers. The summit area is exposed, and you will need to be prepared for windy conditions depending on the weather. We may do something more sheltered if the weather is not cooperative.

 

Every participant should have top-notch clothing including winter insulated boots, light traction [microspikes], snowshoes, wool socks, synthetic under garments, synthetic shirt, nylon or gore-tex pants, hat, gloves, insulating layers, hard shell jacket, balaclava/neck gaiter, face mask and goggles. Your pack should be big enough to put some of the clothes you start wearing in it as you heat up, lunch, extra food, water, flashlight and survival gear to preserve life in a subarctic environment. That's what we'll climbing to.

 

We will  hike about 11 miles and  climb about 3,900 feet and drop down about 4,500 feet. It should take an average hiker about 7.5 hours to complete this trip ~ this estimate allows for slower travel during winter (trail breaking, route finding, changing gear/footwear, etc.)

 

Expect to come out in the early hours of darkness if we encounter any significant snow and/or ice. We will not be moving fast but we will be moving steadily since it is winter; uphill will be slower since there is a lot of elevation gain. After Mt. Monroe we will be faster with maybe some butt surfing. Breaks will be quick. The weather will dictate the length and amount of stops. 

 

After The Hike

Everyone is welcome back at our house around the fireplace to join us for dinner. It's $5 per person and BYOB. Bring a change of clothing and take a shower to freshen up; we have plenty of towels to share.  

 

Lodging Option

Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or 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 meeting at the AMC Highland Center [Rte. 302] and then decide on which cars will be going to the Cog Railroad Base Station. We will be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser. 

 

While carpooling is encouraged you are responsible for coordinating your own rides. Use the comments section below to communicate with others who may also be looking to share a ride. If you do share a ride be sure to share the expenses - suggested donations per person are $20 from Boston MA, $15 from Salem NH, and $10 from Concord NH. You can meet other members for carpooling at NH Exit 2 Salem Park & Ride off I-93 or NH Exit 14 LL Bean/Shaw's Parking Lot off I-93.