Mt. Washington via Huntington Ravine

We had picture-perfect Presidential Weather. Today’s hike was 8.5 miles, 4300’ elevation gain and would take 9 hours.

We met at Pinkham Notch Visitors Center at 8:30 AM and were under way by 8:45. It was crowded at the start but we left them once we split Huntington Ravine. We skipped the lower section of the Huntington Ravine trail by using the Fire Road. From the road section, you can get a few glances at the headwall of the ravine which lies ahead. Looking up at the gullies [in awe, I might add] we saw some other people moving. One small group was hiking Huntington's as we were but the other two were rock climbing up the Pinnacle, the most-prominent feature in the ravine.

Presently the trail turns onto the lowest stretches of The Fan, boulders the size of SUVs or small houses even, with gaps between them that could easily swallow all of us. We snaked our way over, around and even under these boulders at first and then saw the yellow blazes off to the right leading into the scrub that made the ascent much easier. 

At the top of the talus field, we studied the slabs for a short while and then made our way up. While steep, they are not particularly smooth and it was not difficult to maintain contact. Above the slabs, it required careful attention to find and follow the fading yellow blazes. It was handy to have people if there was any question which side of the next boulder to go on. I personally found this section to be the most challenging, even though the grade is not as steep.

As we crossed the lip of the headwall, we were greeted with a bit more of a breeze, enough to help cool off and dry out from the prior effort, but not enough to induce a chill. We then hooked up with the Nelson Crag Trail to bring us to the summit.

At the summit, we availed ourselves of the facilities which it offers and enjoyed lunch in the caferia followed by taking in the views on the observation deck. As predicted, the winds were light (5-15MPH) and the temps were nudging up to 60 degrees. The views extended well into Maine, including Elephant and Rangeley, and north to Megantic in Montreal. We met Rob, Rick and Rich who had ascended using the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail on the observation deck. Good to see you boys! After an extended break on the summit, it was time to head back down.

We wandered down the top portion of Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the Lion Head trail. On the way down, we met up with the most other hikers we'd had seen all day. Thankfully the Tuckerman Ravine Trail had just opened this weekend so the crowds then split between this trail and the trail we would use to descend, the Lion Head Trail.

At the top of the massive rock, Lion Head, we found wonderful views into Tuckerman Ravine. You could see the head wall, Hermit Lake and even tiny little hikers over on the Boott Spur Trail on the southern wall of the ravine. The trail then leaves the ridge and descends steeply to Tuckerman Ravine Trail. At the Tuckerman Ravine Trail we went into autopilot (zombie) mode at some point and woke up when we were back at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center.

We will hike up the Huntington Ravine to do Washington. Then we will descend using Lion's Head.

THIS IS AN ADVANCE HIKE and you should be in great hiking shape to attend. Everyone must have an outdoor fitness level of Strenuous or higher to attend and your profile under Events Participated should indicate you've hiked more difficult 4,000 footers in the past. If you are a fast hiker and don't like to stick with the group either up or down, then please do not sign up. GROUP SAFETY IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT CONCERN.

Huntington Ravine to Summit
Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Ascent via Huntington Ravine is written up in the AMC White Mountain guide as the most difficult regular hiking trail in the White Mountains. Although there are other trails that rival it in steepness, on no other route is there so much difficult rock scrambling with significant exposure. In several places on the headwall a slip and fall could have serious consequences. This route should be attempted only be experienced hikers who are comfortable on steep ledges and are capable of maneuvering up tricky scrambles using handholds and footholds. Please do not come along and then change your mind about ascending this way, after we have entered the steeps above the Fan. After that point, you'll have no choice but to continue up since descending could be life threatening. Dogs are forbidden. All that being said, on a dry, warm day this is one of the most exciting and exhilarating climbs in the Whites! Significant boulder scrambling is required for a good portion of this excursion, but you will enjoy some of the most magnificent mountain views in the northeastern United States. Trail surface is hard-packed dirt and rock below treeline; boulder-strewn above. If you have any questions contact either Mike or Jon. Look forward to seeing many of the stronger gay hikers. 

Lions Head
We'll be descending on the Lions Head Trail, which is steep but the ledges offer spectacular views down to the floor of Tuckerman Ravine, across to cliffs of headwall and Boott Spur, and up to the summit cone of Mt. Washington. 

Type: Loop
Duration: 8.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 4300 feet
Mileage: 8.5 miles

After The Hike: Bring a towel, soap and change of clothing. We'll take showers at Pinkham Notch [bring quarters] and then have dinner at the Red Fox Pub in Jackson.   

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Friday and/or Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning and a continental breakfast. Contact me to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.