Mt. Moosilauke Hike

Seven GO members climbed Mount Moosilauke (4,802 ft), the westernmost 4,000 footer in the White Mountains. This was a 3,300 foot climb from the trail head up the Glenncliff Trail. We wore MicroSpikes from start to finish. As we climbed higher, the trees had more snow on them and near the summit ridge, we enjoyed the gorgeous hoar frost coating the trees!

Moosilauke in winter can be a challenging peak to climb because the summit is completely bald and very windy. There’s good cover up until treeline, but the last 0.2 to 0.3 miles (on the south side) are fully exposed. We definitely had some wind today, as you can see in the summit pictures! The temperature was a balmy 20 degrees and we were not cold despite being in the 35 mph winds.

Although most of the 4,000 footers we climb in winter are day hikes, they’re actually fairly high consequence climbs that take a fair amount of preparation to pull off safely. For example, Jon and have been on Moosilauke before in winter and know that the summit is often shrouded in cloud, making the cairns difficult to see.

Those are the conditions we found today when we got to treeline, and we were able to see tracks in the snow as we moved from cairn to cairn. Even so, three members in our party were driven back due to a number of factors.

The wind was definitely blowing as we climbed out in the open to the summit sign. We hung out for a couple minutes for photos and then about faced down the way we’d come, into the relative safety of the krumholz.

This was a good hike with a few members we have never hiked with before. Despite that, we climbed well together at a reasonable pace and stuck together, which is especially important in winter. We came away from this climb feeling good about our upcoming winter trips. We are on track for a couple more 4,000+ foot hikes in the next 30 days.

Happy Holidays,

Mike and Jon

This southwestern outpost of the high peaks is unmatched for the variety of its views!

We will be hiking Mt. Moosilauke [4,802 feet] via the Glencliff Trail and Moosilauke Carriage Road to the summit of Mt. Moosilauke. The total distance covered is 7.8 miles, it should take approximately 7 hours and the elevation gain is 3,300 feet. Moosilauke has long been renowned for the breadth and variety of its views, taking in large portions of the White Mountains, central New Hampshire, the Connecticut River Valley and Vermont.

From the parking area we follow an old farm road past a gate. There is only one steep section and the footing is generally good. We reach the ridge and the Moosilauke Carriage Rd. in a sag just north of Moosilauke's South Peak. It is part of the AT. The upper part is above treeline and greatly exposed to the elements, so it can be dangerous in bad weather.

Winter conditions will be in effect so be prepared! Winter travel offers unique challenges to any hiker. Please have the appropriate gear/clothing to travel in winter like conditions and the appropriate amount of layers to keep your core body warm. Dress in synthetic layers; NO COTTON. We recommend winter boots, microspikes, wind shell, wool hat, gloves [with handwarmers if you need them], goggles, neck gaiter/balaclava/face mask; along with wearing the appropriate amount of layers to keep your body warm. Be sure to have a daypack bigger than your usual summer daypack so you can place clothing in it as you heat up. Carry at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks.

After the Hike: We can gather together at our Waterville Valley house around the fireplace for food and drink. Bring a change of clothes and you can take a shower to clean-up. Bring your own beverages and if you like, snacks to share. If you would like to stay for one of Jon's dinner feasts, we ask you reimburse us $5 for our food costs. 

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for both Friday and Saturday nights at $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 ASAP to reserve a bunk!