Trails Used

Caps Ridge, Gulfside Trail, Westside Trail, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

When a friend asks you to join them for a special anniversary to mark exactly one year since they hiked their first 4K in the Whites, you always say yes. We put together a plan to grab Jefferson for my G2 and then make our way over to Monroe for his anniversary hike but bypass Washington because I was dying to check out the Westside trail. It was a most excellent plan. Caps Ridge was dry for our ascent. The winds really picked up at the summit and it began to rain. We said goodbye to 2 of our crew at that point and the 3 of us continued on. Gulfside was mostly dry as the rain was light and the rocks were still grippy. By the time we hit the Sphinx Col, the rocks were wet. We were cautious ascending and going around Clay. The rain stopped again as we reached the Westside Trail junction. This was the jewel of the day. We saw no one and the views were endless and the winds were enough to push us around without knocking us sideways. Once we reached Crawford Path the rain began again and the trails were much busier. The footing was still good and there were only a few slips on the wet rocks. We quickly grabbed Monroe with a stop at the hut. The rain picked up again as we descended Monroe and by the time we were headed down Ammo, it was raining harder and everything was very wet. The rocks and slab were super slippery and required careful footing and slow going. We made it the Gem Pool in one piece. The remaining portion of Ammo to the parking lot was a mud fest. The mud was deep in places and incredibly slick. We all agreed we missed the old Ammo trail a lot today. The re-route has terrible footing and seems to take forever. Fortunately the company was great and we laughed and told stories and it was a great day despite the tough conditions and the weather. I am so grateful for good friends who can embrace the suck for these kind of days.

Parking

I arrived at the WMNF Ammo lot at 6:25am and there were still spots available but it was filling up fast. $5 to park or the WMNF pass.

Water Crossings

All rock hoppable.

Wildlife

Too cold and windy for them. YES!!!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Huntington Ravine Trail, Nelson Crag Trail, Trinity Heights Connector, Gulfside Trail, Mount Clay Loop, Mount Jefferson Loop, Six Husbands Trail, Great Gulf Trail, Madison Gulf Trail, Old Jackson Road

Trail Conditions

Notes

This route was a real doozy! Huntington Ravine trail was as advertised; steep, scrambly, and technical. That being said, I didn't find it to be considerably harder than the Tripyramid North Slide or Flume Slide trail. My friend and I both had climbing experience, and I can see how that might help, but it is definitely not a requirement. I would recommend having boots with good traction though, as some parts of the headwall require it. There were plenty of blazes, although some were a bit faded. The Mount Washington summit was crowded, despite being a Monday. There was a line at the summit sign, and we decided to take a photo from afar. All of the trails in the alpine zone were easy to follow with cairns and blazes. Six Husbands trail was really cool, with some big ladders and rock scrambles, I will definitely have to come back and go up it sometime. Some parts of the trail at the edge of the alpine zone were very tight and scratchy, but it still wasn't challenging to follow. Going back up and over Low's Bald Spot was brutal because we were pretty beat by that point, but Madison Gulf trail and Old Jackson road were both well maintained, and Old Jackson road in particular was very smooth and wide. Low's Bald Spot had a rock scramble to get up to the viewpoint.

Parking

Plenty of parking at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.

Water Crossings

A couple of easy rock hops

Wildlife

Some flying around but no bites. No ticks either!

Trails Used

Caps Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Beautiful day for this. I only made it as far as the area where the boulders start getting challenging for short people. Texted Prema, who was a little ahead that I was waiting, and gave her a turnaround time for the summit. I enjoyed my seat and my view, contemplated on what a difference nearly 25 years had made, because that's the last time we did this trail. I'm 2 inches shorter then when I did this last. She summitted a couple minutes after the turnaround time, I told her to enjoy it and keep in touch. And hikers coming down filled me in as well. Thanks to the father/son hikers for taking her pictures. Caps Ridge is a great trail. If scrambling slows you down, start early. Even if you only make it partway, it's worth it. Here's the rest of the story from Prema. As the caps are above treeline, there are wonderful views the whole way up to the summit. Summit was nice, a good,clear day did not go to waste. Summit was nothing but rocks. You can hear the auto road traffic. A note about blazing, there are a few very faded blazes above treeline.

Parking

Nice big lot. Park properly and many can be accomodated.

Water Crossings

None.

Wildlife

Mosquitoes near the muddy beginning. Blackflies in the higher elevations. A few pretty butterflies. When you're on your way down and almost to the car, you'll know it by the skeeters.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Caps Ridge Trail, Cornice, Gulfside trail, Jefferson Loop Trail, Gulfside trail, auto road, crawford path, monroe loop trail, crawford path, Eisenhower loop trail, crawford path, webster jackson trail, crawford path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Well we wanted to get sunrise but also get back to where we left off the day before. So back up caps and the cornice where colors started around 4:15 am. Up to Jefferson we got to see sunrise around mt Adams. Thankful for the no breeze and comfortable temps. Over to washington and on the summit, barely any people as it was before the cog and the road opened. After we left… the flood of people from the huts were let out. We left our packs at the junction and went up and down Monroe quick. We hit Franklin on the way and continued to Ike and Pierce where all the people were again. Made it down and the car read 79! Lovely time!

Parking

Lots of cars everywhere, parked on road by crawford path

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

Black flies

Also on this trip

Trails Used

cog, gulfside

Trail Conditions

Notes

Slept poorly and woke up early enough to leave southern NH around 3am. Arrived and was moving by 0500 at cog hiker parking area. Got up to Jefferson over clay in short order though my calves and achilles began to get pretty tight. Hit some vitamin I & slowed my pace a bit. After tagging Jefferson came back over Clay & started up the cog. Ended up taking gulfside up when the train came up next to me and emitted a huge nasty black cloud which, not only do i not want to breath in, but made it more challenging to move up along the tracks. I think they should retire that method of fueling the train.... but anyway hit the summit & ate my lunch as at that point I was feeling not so much up to the task of going down to Lakes and then coming back up to get the 7K vertical gain i was seeking. Headed down to the hut and stopped just before the hut at lake of the clouds. A SAR team was passing by (without someone) and it appeared they were gathering around the hut. I wanted to keep to myself so i turned before getting to the hut & it had been a long day. When i got back to the top of washington, i decided to buy a one way cog ticket down to save my knees from the descent that is never great. All in all a great summer day.

Trails Used

Great Gulf, Six Husbands, Sphinx

Trail Conditions

Notes

Started on Great Gulf trail for a few miles, which starts gentle but gets steeper as you go. 6 Husbands is a steep tough trail, but worth the effort. Views most of the way up with fun scrambles, caves and 5 ladders. Jefferson is a great summit and the clouds were whipping by as I ate my lunch The way down was Gulf side over to Sphinx, which is another steep, tough trail, but also fun with great views. Prob saw 20 waterfalls today - Another excellent day in the Whites!

Parking

Plenty of room at the Great Gulf Wilderness lot on 16 - $5

Water Crossings

Most were easy, but the crossing at the closed bridge on Great Gulf was a bit tricky.

Wildlife

Persistent all day, annoying below treeline - bring bug spray

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Caps Ridge Tr., Gulfside Tr., Mount Clay Loop., Trinity Connector Tr., Jewell Tr., Boundary Tr., Jefferson Notch Rd

Trail Conditions

Notes

Near perfect weather conditions today above tree-line. Met two different groups doing a traverse and two who had just completed the Great Gulf Tr for their 20th of the T25. The Boundary Trail was an absolute pleasure as a way to connect this loop back to Jefferson Notch Road. Lined with moss and ferns, bridged through some wet mossy areas and passing through a beautiful mixed forest with huge old Silver Birch. The Boundary Trail was a pleasant surprise to round out this 12 mile loop with 4550 gain, on an absolutely spectacular day.

Parking

About 6 cars on arrival at 9am and cars were pulling in as I hit the trail. About 5 cars on return at 5pm.

Water Crossings

Boundary Trail had a couple small bridges and the largest crossing was not bridged, but easily crossed.

Wildlife

Only at the TH and several of them (black flies) made the 2.5 hour trip home with me riding on the inside of the windshield.

Trails Used

Castle Trail, Israel Ridge Path, Castle Ravine Trail, Randolph Path, Gulfside Trail, Jefferson Loop, Castle Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Beautiful and challenging day in the Northern Presidentials. Castle Ravine was tough because of the relentless water crossings, following by the steep boulder stretch where you had to measure your footing and take your time. Going down Castle was slow for similar reasons, but glad I did the loop this way so I could see the vast ravine I climbed up. Only saw two people on Castle Ravine and Castle all day.

Parking

Room for about 15 cars off Route 2 at Castle Trailhead.

Water Crossings

Seven or eight crossings on Castle Ravine Trail were running high. Had to wade in up to my shins on almost all of them.

Wildlife

Black flies were bothersome on the upper reaches of Castle Trail.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Caps Ridge Trail, Jefferson Loop, Gulfside, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

It was great to get back up to the Presidentials for today's hike. It was a bit blustery, but the forecasted rain held off. The peaks were in and out of the clouds all day, but visibility cleared up for plenty of good looks. Trails were dry and in good condition overall except for Ammo which had some flowing waters on the steeps and on and off goopy mud spots down below. 40, 41 and 42 for Kwi-hui's 48 over 70 and 18, 19 and 20 for my soft, low intensity, we'll see what happens 48 over 65.

Parking

Plenty at both ends.

Water Crossings

All very manageable rock hops.

Wildlife

Some bugginess in the parking lot but none after that.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Caps Ridge, Gulfside, Lowe's Path, Airline, Osgood Trail, Valley Way

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a roll of the dice day for a JAM but it paid off big time. I knew it was going to be a great day when I saw Hiker Ed in the parking lot and started my day with a fist bump. Caps Ridge was mostly dry which made for a fun time of scrambles. The winds were strong and we were totally socked in. We layered up when we reached the summit, grabbed a few snacks and headed down Gulfside. The rocks here were also dry which made for good footing. There was the usual wet sections on our way to Adams with strategically placed rocks. We reached Thunderstorm Junction and relayered to summit Adams which was also pretty windy but the footing was excellent. We met up with the crew doing the Alzheimer's hike on Adams which was awesome. Gulfside to the Madison Springs hut was smooth sailing and we stopped for a longer lunch break and headed up to Madison to celebrate Pete's SSSpring finish! The walk out Valley Way was easy going. There were some wet areas and some wet rocks but overall the trail was in great shape. What a wonderful day spent with old friends and new ones. Another best day ever!

Parking

I scored a last spot at Appalachia at 5:45am. By the time I was parked, people were parking on the road. We spotted cars there and drove over to Caps Ridge. There were about 6 cars there and room for several more.

Water Crossings

Not an issue at all today.

Wildlife

It was so cold and windy when we started that the bugs were not an issue. They finally made an appearance as we hiked out Valley Way. Bug spray would be useful for this stretch.

Trails Used

Caps Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Caps Ridge is one mean trail, due to the multitude of rock scrambles. Besides the dog turnarounds mentioned, at least four other humans turned back even before that 30-40 ft rock face at the first big bump (a "cap"?). Our group (OTHH), certainly not young kids who can scamper over those ledges with ease, took almost four hours for the last of us to get up top, well over "book time." Coming down was nearly three hours, due to very slow picking one's way down over the rocks and ledges. The weather was great, though, with dry rock and long views.

Parking

Plenty of room at the trailhead at the notch road height-of-land.

Water Crossings

None

Wildlife

Not bad if we kept in motion, but that's hard to do on the rock ledge scrambles, going down or up. They were a nuisance, yet I didn't don the head net.

Trails Used

Castle Trail, Castle Ravine Trail, Gulfside Trail, Mount Jefferson Loop

Trail Conditions

Notes

Up Castle Ravine to Jefferson for a June grid and ticking off a terrifying 25. Even in the rain, conditions are pretty great. All the Israel River crossings were fine and I kept my feet dry, but poles are definitely helpful. The talus fields up Castle Ravine are fine, even in the rain. The Jefferson snow field is still holding on - watch out for the edges. Castle Ridge has some blowdowns and spring cleanup that needed to be done, but it's nbd.

Parking

Only two cars (including mine) at the Castle trail lot

Water Crossings

All the Israel River Crossings were fine, but much easier with poles

Wildlife

A few but they actually were not too bad for this time of year.

Trails Used

Lowe's Path, Cabin-Cascades Trail, The Link, Caps Ridge Trail, Mt. Jefferson Loop Trail, Gulfside, Randolph Path, Log Cabin Cutoff

Trail Conditions

Notes

Not sure I would recommend this loop. Cabin Cascades trail was very wet with lots of mud and running water on the trail and extremely slippery. The Link is in pretty good condition from Israel Ridge tr. to Castle Ravine tr. but becomes incredibly rough, wet and difficult to follow from Castle Ravine to half way btwn Caps Ridge and Castle tr. Patchy snow on the Link, Caps Ridge and Cabin Cascades. Most of this snow should melt this week though. There was significant snow drifts on Randolph Path which made for very slow going. Got a little snow shower to ring in meteorological summer, but it didn't amount to much. I would recommend avoiding Randolph path until the snow melts as there's not really enough for snowshoes, but it's deep enough to cover holes and rocks and make for difficult slippery travel. Much of Lowe's path is wet and muddy but there's a few dry patches.

Parking

Dirt Lot next to Lowe's store in Randolph. Lot was empty all day. Lowe's store was closed so didn't need to pay, but not sure if this is true on weekends.

Water Crossings

All water crossings are fairly easy despite the heavy rain.

Wildlife

Some black flies on the lower elevations, but as long as you keep moving, they leave you alone. No problems above 3500'

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lowe’s path, Gulf side, Jefferson loop, Randolph path, Emerald trail, Israel, the Link.

Trail Conditions

Notes

Lowe’s path is in great conditions, pretty dry and smooth climbing. No more ice or snow anywhere but the Jefferson snowfield to cross, no issues there. I found the way down very interesting, and Emerald Bluff is a must see! Those less travelled trails are beautiful too, not eroded, almost no rocks or water, with a nice pine needles flooring. Great hike, combined with some other Adams family peaks and a small bushwhack to Nowell Ridge. Nice 360 views from there, a nice surprise.

Parking

Parked at Lowe’s store.

Water Crossings

Cascade brook was not too difficult, but still had to look for the best place to rock hop.

Wildlife

Yes, at the end of the day black flies were terrible.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Jewell Trail, Gulfside Trail, Mt. Clay Loop

Trail Conditions

Notes

Had a great hike going up and down on the Jewell. Used Gulfside to summit Jefferson, then backtracked to Mt. Clay and used the Clay Loop to summit Clay. I had never done clay so I figured while I was just bagging Jefferson on the day I would. It's a nice hike up with some awesome views into the Great Gulf of Washington. Awesome views of Adams as well! Not a lot of mud but it's there. Mostly on the lower sections of the Jewell but very avoidable. Lots of people out today enjoying themselves. Shared the summit of Jefferson with about 15 other people at its max, including Adam Hoyt, White Mountain Youtuber. Real friendly dude, and he makes very cool videos, and for me as a mostly solo hiker, its helpful to have an idea of what I'm hiking into. All in all the trails in the Presidential Range are gonna be in good shape until Sundays rain. Enjoy!

Parking

Plenty of parking at the bottom of the Cogg lot. It's $5 to park. Bathrooms available here. Jewell starts across the street.

Water Crossings

Only crossings of note have bridges.

Wildlife

The beginnings of swarms are starting to form where the mud is staying wet on Jewell.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Airline, Gulfside

Trail Conditions

Notes

Woke up after not sleeping well multiple nights in a row, but had all my gear packed & food prepared for my planned effort & already took the day off from work. Unfortnately The whole day i ended up feeling off after not fully recovering from a presidential traverse last weekend (achilles/knees/feet), sleeping poorly, etc. This manifest itself in me tripping quite a few times/not being able to hold a regular pace & move efficiently. Anyway.. The forcast was a high of 46 on washington with 20-25 mph winds. There was not a cloud to be seen in the sky all day. I started at 0530 from valley way up airline. The water had frozen overnight & it was about freezing in the parking lot. A great day in my opinion. I brought a single microspike in case it was absolutely needed. Didnt even bother on what remains of the Jefferson snow field. The way to handle this is 'kick in' to the snow and move slow to prevent a slide. Most of the day above treeline it was a bit hard to stay warm, but this was mostly a personal choice (i had the layers to stay warm). Later when i got below treeline i missed the feeling as it was hot and humid (hot for spring). Aside from the mentioned personal issues it was undeniably a choice day to be above treeline and i only encountered a handful of people. The views via Airline are unmatched on a clear day, even feeling off a great day to be up above.

Water Crossings

n/a

Wildlife

soon

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Great Gulf Trail, Sphinx Trail, Gulfside Trail, Mt. Jefferson Loop, Gulfside Trail, Lowe's Path, Air Line, Gulfside Trail, Osgood Trail, Great Gulf Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Aside from the below-treeline section of Sphinx Trail, which was very wet and like a stream bed in spots, the trails were mostly dry with minimal mud and wet ground. There were only two small snowfields I had to cross, and traction wasn't necessary for either. Definitely have good trail eyes and be comfortable with following wild, lightly used, hard-to-follow trails if you're going deep into the Great Gulf on the Great Gulf Trail or its offshoot trails. Madison Spring Hut was still closed, and there wasn't anyone outside or inside it getting it ready for re-opening- it was still fully boarded up, like it was all winter. Will open on June 4th according to the AMC webpage for the hut. Weather conditions were pretty stellar, with mostly sunny skies, light wind, cool to mild temps, and low humidity. Great day and conditions to do this death march, which ended up being 16.5 miles roundtrip with 6,000 feet of elevation gain.

Parking

Two other vehicles in the Great Gulf parking area when I started and about a half dozen when I ended. Not many people on the northern Presis today at all

Water Crossings

Rock hopped the crossing of the West Branch of the Peabody River due to the bridge still being closed. Had to take a few leaps of faith from one rock to another. All other unbridged crossings were also rock hopped.

Wildlife

Very little until I got to the Osgood Cutoff junction and it had warmed up.

Trails Used

Jewell tr, Boundary tr, Jefferson Notch rd, Caps Ridge tr

Trail Conditions

Notes

Surprised to see 2 duos going up Caps Ridge yesterday. Quite windy at times, but was lucky to be mostly protected on the way up except for the occasional gust. The summit blew me around a bit. The wind either picked up or switched direction on the way down as it seemed quite a bit windier at that point. Could just have been that it was coming at me instead of from behind me. Otherwise, it was a stellar day in the Presis! No snow/ice at all.

Parking

Ammo lot is as usual. Pay station still bagged.

Water Crossings

Had to barefoot through 1 crossing on the Boundary tr, but that was it. It's not more than mid-shin deep. Didn't feel like wandering around looking for another way across.

Wildlife

A few out and about, but nothing biting

Trails Used

Jewell Trail, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The bat signal for gridiots went out big time today because we saw so many familiar and friendly faces! The Jewell trail was wet and muddy in places and there were definitely some areas of running water but it was in really good shape. The rocks in the morning were wet and slick but by afternoon things had dried off substantially and footing was much nicer. Gulfside had some areas of standing water but most places had rocks to step on to help keep your feet dry. We saw no snow on the trail and only 2 tiny spots of ice. Our spikes went for a ride. This made 500 for Heidi today - woot woot and 574 for me. Today was a gem of a day and our crew had a blast! One more hike Monday to wrap this project up. :)

Parking

We all parked at the cog hiker parking lot. $10 to park. The kiosk no longer takes cash. Cards only.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

None in the morning due to the colder temps and wind. In the afternoon there were a few out and about but not bothersome.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ammonoosuc Ravine, Monroe Loop, Crawford Path, Cog, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Capps Ridge, Road walk, Boundary

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Conditions are wet but manageable. Still some monorails on the upper part of Ammo, but otherwise clear of ice and snow. Lots of running water on every trail. Capps Ridge was in better shape than expected and Boundary trail was a mossy mile of fun. Overall, wet but manageable conditions. Minimal ice or snow other than a small stretch on Ammo.

Parking

Ammo lot was wide open at 7am but nearly full at 2pm

Water Crossings

Two crossings required some finesse. First on the Ammo reroute where a few branches have been placed in a helpful spot. Then again on Boundary where you can choose which log to scoot across.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Amphibranch -> Hincks -> Gray Knob -> Randolph Path -> Mt. Jeff Loop -> Gulfside -> Adams -> Valley Way

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Hit the first snow patches around 2200' and Gray Knob trail was pretty slippery despite being mostly flat. I never put on my gaiters but once or twice I fell in deep enough where they would have helped out. Overall a very nice day for a hike. I had my spikes but never really needed them. There was a steep snow field going up Jefferson where they would have given me more confidence and coming down valley way was pretty steep and slippery up top. Snow cleared up around the Valley way campsite and it was mostly fine after that. Watch out for loose rocks though as the snow-melt has left some rocks unstable.

Parking

Parking lot was just barely overfilled

Water Crossings

Water crossings were mostly fine except where there was significant ice.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Amphibranch -> Hincks -> Gray Knob -> Randolph Path -> Mt. Jeff Loop -> Gulfside -> Adams -> Valley Way

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Hit the first snow patches around 2200' and Gray Knob trail was pretty slippery despite being mostly flat. I never put on my gaiters but once or twice I fell in deep enough where they would have helped out. Overall a very nice day for a hike. I had my spikes but never really needed them. There was a steep snow field going up Jefferson where they would have given me more confidence and coming down valley way was pretty steep and slippery up top. Snow cleared up around the Valley way campsite and it was mostly fine after that. Watch out for loose rocks though as the snow-melt has left some rocks unstable.

Parking

Parking lot was just barely overfilled

Water Crossings

Water crossings were mostly fine except where there was significant ice.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ammonoosuc Ravine, Crawford Path, Gulfside Trail, Jewell

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The steep part of Ammonoosuc Ravine trail has sections of icy monorail and ice flows, microspikes extremely useful. Above the hut is a mixture of soft snow with some drifts, soft ice and bare rock. I wore microspikes over Washington until the Jewell trail intersection where it got pretty rocky but that was mostly because they were already on. I would not say they were necessary. I did not wear them for Jefferson or the descent of the Jewell trail. The Jewell trail just below tree line has an monorail that can mostly be avoided and it peters out pretty quickly.

Parking

A most a quarter full

Trails Used

Jewell,Gulfside

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Conditions change quickly, allow yourself plenty of time to finish. Fresh snow on Gulfside Trail made it little slower.

Parking

$10.00 per person to park at base of cog, can use credit card if no cash available.

Water Crossings

None

Trails Used

Caps Ridge, Jewel Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Approximately 1-2 inches of fresh, soft snow throughout the hike. Deep snowdrifts caused occasional post-holing but not deep enough to warrant snowshoes. Spikes were used for sections of Boundary Line and Caps Ridge but often unnecessary due to soft snow and exposed rock. Caps Ridge was rough and slow-going. Jewel Trail descent was much faster with minimal snow in the trees. Beautiful bluebird day overall. Hikers recommended waiting for further melt-out.

Parking

Jefferson Notch Road had about 2-4 inches of snow and was used to access the trailhead

Water Crossings

Boundary Line water crossing was manageable but tricky

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford

Notes

Started around 2 AM for sunrise on Madison, hiked the ridge crossing multiple peaks. Perfect temperature, clear skies with cloud formations. Hiker wore shorts and t-shirt, resulting in significant sunburn. Noted sloppy spring season conditions expected to improve.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Jewell Trail, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Lowe’s Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Jewell trail from the Ammo parking lot was coated with a couple inches of fresh snow. Beneath the snow was a somewhat wet trail with minimal, avoidable ice in a few spots. Higher on the Jewell trail was an elevated monorail that was fairly stable. The alpine zone had about 4-6” of fresh snow in between dry rocks/boulders, which required some tedious footwork to avoid a rolled ankle. There were a few spots of snowdrifts up to my knees. The trail was surprisingly easy to lose because of the new snow and rime ice. The first half of the Jefferson snowfield was ice while the second half was 4” snowdrift. I got by with microspikes but I would recommend crampons, ice ax, and self arrest skills. Be safe out there! It was a lovely day to be above tree line for this out and back hike. Minimal wind, sunny skies, and clear views!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lowe's Path, Randolph Path, Israel Ridge Path, Gulfside Trail, Mount Jefferson Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

It was a beautiful day in the northern Presidentials to tag Jefferson and Adams for my April grid. Thinking there would be more winter trail conditions left on the northern slopes - and always being wary of the Jefferson snowfield - I brought my snowshoes and crampons, but they got a free ride all day. After parking at Lowe’s store and heading up Lowe’s Path, I headed for Jefferson first. Conditions lower down were the usual spring mix of run-off and mud, but there was pretty minimal ice. After turning onto the Randolph Path, there is some unstable monorail between 4,500’ and treelike, but it’s pretty easily navigable without too much post-holing. Not worth putting on, or bringing snowshoes, for. Above treeline, it’s basically fully back to summer conditions and talus hopping, except for the few snowfields that are still hanging on. The Jefferson snowfield is still pretty substantial, but with the warm temps, easily crossable without traction. Jefferson was beautiful and I had all of it to myself, with a little wind and lots of sun. After running into a few Presi-traversers on the way back towards Adams, I kicked more steps down across the snowfield. Depending on experience and exposure tolerance, descending the snowfield without traction may be a little spicy for some people. If we get another big freeze, then you’d definitely still want traction crossing it. I passed a couple other people on the way over to Adams, including finally meeting Eric, but I was surprised how few people they were for such a beautiful day. As per usual, the wind was ripping across Adams’ summit, but the warm temps and bright sun make things pretty nice. After that, it was time to get my legs retrained in talus hopping all the way back down to Lowe’s.

Parking

First car at Lowe's Store at 7am

Water Crossings

All low and easy to cross

Wildlife

Saw a couple - they are coming

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Valley Way, Lowe's Path, Gulfside Trail, Edmunds Col

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Navigation errors added approximately 1 mile to the hike. Descended wrong way off Adams near Star Lake and had to backtrack. Stayed on Israel Ridge Path after split on Gulfside Trail instead of continuing to Edmunds Col, not noticing error until reaching Randolph. Clouds and wet rocks slowed progress significantly (2.25 hours longer than February attempt). Light traction needed in trees and on Jefferson snowfields. Hiker is completing a monthly challenge with 14 peaks done and 16 remaining for April.

Parking

Car was alone in Madison Hut lot at both 06:00 (start) and 14:00 (finish).

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog Railway, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Trinity Heights, Crawford Path, Mt. Monroe Loop, Mt. Eisenhower Loop, Webster-Jackson Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Barebooted most of the way up the Cog until the just before the Jacobs Ladder section. Upon meeting Gulfside, there was a section of hard ice that was sketchy at first, and softening up fast when returning. Over to Jefferson was mostly icy trail with rocks poking through and rime ice on the boulders that was melting fast in the sun. I barebooted from around the Jewell Junction to Jefferson and stayed that way until the sketchy side hill spot before meeting Great Gulf on the way up to Washington. There’s enough exposed rock to just rock hop around all the ice, just pay careful attention your foot placement. I honestly barebooted 95% of my above treeline travel today, but I like to walk on the wild side, rather than destroy my spikes in one day. Everyone I passed had spikes on. Spikes were useful for the descent down Washington in places, when coverage was more consistent, and the climb up Monroe. I took them off at Monroe and kept them off until the climb up Pierce, save for maybe a couple brief soots. Firm monorail in the scrub sections, and grippy frozen granular. You could bring snowshoes for here, but you won’t want to use them, the monorail is too narrow. From the hut to Jackson was an absolute highway. I did use spikes here, and was able to make easy work of the ledgy flow ice spot. Jackson summit and ledges were bare. I took spikes off when the snow became inconsistent at the Webster-Jackson split. From there, any remaining snow/ice was avoidable or low consequence enough that it could be bare booted. Beautiful day, where the heck was everyone? I only saw about a dozen people and had every summit but Pierce to myself.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog Rail Trail, Gulfside Trail, Mt. Jefferson Loop Trail, Mt. Clay Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Up and down the cog to Jefferson. On the way back, I went over Clay (bypassed it on the way to Jefferson). Spikes from the trailhead to about 4,000, where I put on crampons. The section up through Jacob’s Ladder was, like last weekend, icy enough that I definitely wanted crampons. Once I got to the top of the steeper portion, spikes went on and stayed on the rest of the day, including the descent down the cog. Above tree line is a mix of rocks and frozen granular. In general there’s more rock than not, but I definitely wanted spikes. There are a couple of quite impressive snow fields on the east side of Clay. They’re supportive for now but will likely soften up. No more need for snowshoes if you’re going above tree line and taking the cog both ways. Spikes and crampons only. IMHO an ice axe is overkill but I did see some people carrying them past Jacob’s Ladder.

Parking

Parked at cog. $10.

Trails Used

Jewell

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

A returning guest came to us with hopes of summiting Mts Jefferson and Washington. Unfortunately snows the night before filled in the trail. Granted, Redline Guide Chase Hall found the trail still easy to follow, and it was certainly quite pretty, but breaking out Jewell Trail with all that fresh powder tired out our guest to the point of them not making either summit. That said, our guest did earn their “Golden Boot” award by contributing to the day by way of taking some of the trail-breaking duties off Chase’s hands. From the hiking community, thanks!

Trails Used

Jewell Trail, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Jewell from the Cog Cutoff was a seasonal mixed bag. We encountered lots of hard ice interspersed with hard packed snow. As elevation increased, there was less ice and more snow with developed narrow monorail. Above tree line we experienced ice, rocks, snow, monorail and drifts. the drifting was mostly on Gulfside mostly in the Sphinx Col. The two small snowfields north of Sphinx Col were hard and icy and hillsounds worked but K-10s would have been better. I was in my “rock spikes” but newer ones would have been a help.

Parking

Paid $10 per head to avoid an extra mile of hiking. Enjoying the heated flush rest room was a bonus.

Water Crossings

none