Mts. Pierce & Eisenhower

We took the Crawford Path and Mt. Eisenhower Loop trails for a 9.4 miles, out-and-back hike with 3,250 feet of elevation gain.

Weekend hiking means we get to catch up with GO members we haven't seen in a while. This winter most of our hiking friends have been hibernating. We had the pleasure of sharing trails with two great guys, Tim and Bob. We haven't seen Tim since the Tuckerman Ravine Hike/Sled trip in February. It's been over a year since we've seen Bob!

We met at the trailhead of Mt. Clinton Road near the Highland Center. It was a brisk 11 degrees when we got out of the truck at 9:00am.

The trail was packed when we arrived. We chose to wear MicroSpikes for the start. Of course, one always wants to bring the snowshoes up the mountain just in case one needs them unexpectedly...we therefore strapped our 'shoes to our packs before hitting the trail.

We took a snack break 1.9 miles up, at the intersection with Mizpah Cut-Off. We continued onward, up the final 1.2 miles to treeline. The wind was about 20mph so we layered up. From here, it was a quick 0.1 mile up to the summit of Pierce. Alternating high clouds and sun accompanied the winds and cold temps at the summit. We couldn't really enjoy the view for too long due to the below zero windchill so we headed over to Eisenhower.

Below the summit of Pierce we stopped for lunch and switched to snowshoes in a sunny, warm, sheltered nook. It was a cozy spot to have lunch in. Eisenhower ahead, we met hikers returning and there were some behind us as well. It was a 1.6 mile hike on the ridge between Pierce and Eisenhower. 

At the base of the summit cone, Jon and I took off our packs for the final summit push. It was windy as we climbed up the steep summit cone but not to the point that it shoved us around. On the way up we met an elderly woman and her two companions who were helping her down. She looked like she was 75 and we were impressed she was able to pull off this arduous hike! We got to the top and we spent 10 minutes taking photos and enjoying the view. 

Today was one of those days where your camera just isn't big enough to capture the massive spectable that's spread out in front of you...a breathtaking winter day in the Presidentials! An electric white, snow-cladded, granite monolith of the Presidential peaks shimmering in the sun. One of the most beautiful experiences in the winter...that's why we were there!

Once out of the wind below the summit cone, we had a snack break. We reached Pierce for the last views of the day and took a snack break at bit later in the trees as well as switch back to MicroSpikes. Here life was more peaceful...the wind wasn't much of an issue.

Our descent was routine...we got back to the truck around 4pm.  

~ Jon and Mike

Join us for this 9.6 mile snowshoe loop to the summits of two prominent 4000-foot peaks in the Presidential Range...Mt. Pierce (4312') and Mt. Eisenhower (4760').  We will take the Crawford Path up to the summit of Mt. Pierce with its relatively open summit.  From Pierce we will assess if we should continue to Mt. Eisenhower based on weather conditions.

The ridge between the two peaks has some low-growing trees/scrub, but it is fairly exposed and continues to open up as we summit Eisenhower, which is totally exposed.  Views from here are spectacular...including views towards Mt. Washington and the surrounding wilderness.  Thereafter, we will retrace our steps. 

There is approximately 3200 feet in elevation gain.  The Crawford Path is among the least aggressive trails to 4000-foot peaks...there are some rough spots close to the summit of Eisenhower.  MicroSpikes should be sufficent but if there was a recent snowstorm, then we'll need snowshoes. This trip will take about 8 hours.

What to wear/bring:  MicroSpikes are required but we may need snowshoes if there has been a recent snowstorm. We may not need snowshoes at the start so you should be prepared to strap your snowshoes onto your pack using bungy cords. Wear warm clothing suitable for the exposed ledge and summit(s)...no cotton or blue jeans.  You should also have insulated winter boots suitable for the season.  Additionally, consider bringing goggles, face protection and a headlamp/flashlight.  Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike.

Afterwards:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax by our fireplace [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $5 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are 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 me ASAP to reserve a bunk!