Trails Used

Old Jackson Road, Madison Gulf, Great Gulf, Gulfside, Trinity Heights Connector, Nelson Crag

Trail Conditions

Notes

Many thanks to all those trail maintainers who have been hard at work in some of the hardest to reach trails in the White Mountains. I had a wonderful day mostly because of you. The Great Gulf headwall was a bucket list item for me and didn't disappoint. The trail though is hard to discern and most of your effort will actually be in route-finding and not ascent. But with some sense and footbed recognition you'll make it just fine :)

Water Crossings

All generally rock-hoppable. Note: Did not need to cross West Branch at closed suspension bridge.

Trails Used

Huntington Ravine

Trail Conditions

Water Crossings

I missed the stream crossing shortly after the trail forks off Tuckerman's. (The yellow blaze was visible in hindsight but there were enough footprints on the left side of the stream that I kept following them.)

Trails Used

Huntington Ravine, Tuckerman/Lions Head

Trail Conditions

Notes

Incredible day on Washington. Our first time on Huntington Ravine trail and it did not disappoint. We had awesome views on the way up and entered the clouds ~5000 feet. A few sketchy sections, but we felt comfortable all day. Summit was mostly in a cloud, but we had a few glimpses. Foggy coming down, but it lifted right around the Lion's Head formation, so we got a few views of Tuckerman's Ravine. Our luck ran out and it started to rain with about 2 miles left, but only rained hard the last .25 to the car.

Parking

Pinkham Notch lot was busy, but still a lot of spaces left ~8:30am

Water Crossings

Low water, but may will change with the rain coming this week

Wildlife

Present but not bothersome in the trees, not present above treeline. We did not wear bug spray

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Great Gulf trail, gulfside trail, auto road, wamsutta trail, great gulf trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Well went out for an overnight in the great gulf. Saw 4 tents at clam rock which were in the “cooking” area that didn’t move for 2 days and saw only a camp ground coming down great gulf the 2 days out there, so unsure where those people are. Set up camp about .2 miles in from the wamsutta junction at the campsite. Took the site to the right and had no issues. Making our way up got a few rain spits but nothing crazy. The group of camp kids coming down were a sight as I would not suggest coming down this trail ever with the rocks being so slick but we never saw them again so hope all went well. Not too many people on the summit so stopped in for a snack and bathroom break. Made way to wamsutta where someone has done trailwork! Yay! Trail looks great compared to the last time I was here. Made it to camp, got water, slept until the morning,

Parking

Plenty in lot

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

Black flies, gnats

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Dry River Trail, Isolation West, Crawford Path, Mount Eisenhower Trail, Dry River Cutoff, Mount Clinton Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Dry River Trail has 3 landslides that drop steeply into the river. First one is after the wilderness area sign and is not bad as the trail skirts above the sketchy part. At about 3.25 miles in, just after the Mount Clinton junction, is the second landslide which is the sketchiest, it lasts about 100 feet and you have to skirt up and around on loose gravel/dirt at times above a no fall zone. At 4 miles in is another very impressive landslide but this one is easier to contend with as there is a beaten path above and around it. Most of the Dry River Trail up to the shelter is in decent shape for a wilderness trail, after the shelter it becomes muddier and then a little overgrown as you start to head up towards Lakes of the Clouds but the trail is relatively easy to follow. Iso West is in excellent shape Mount Eisenhower Trail is a little overgrown up top, but overall is in great shape Dry River Cutoff, after the first brook crossing the trail can be hard to follow until the next crossing of a small tributary, keep your eyes peeled to stay on the trail. Above this it's a mix of some nasty mud and a tight trail corridor for a little bit before easing up. Mount Clinton Trail, other than two tricky spots the trail is in fine shape. If descending, at about 1.5ish miles there is a overgrown soggy wet area where it looks as if the trail heads straight, it goes to the right up a short embankment then continues straight, bypassing this wet area, soon after this the trail recrosses the brook down a short but steep embankment. Around 2.5 miles when descending, the trail leaves an old logging road and drops steeply down to the cross the brook, then parallels the brook on higher ground before dropping back down to meet an old RR grade where the trail dumps out off a cliff into the Dry River, rock hop the river and eventually cross it to hook onto Dry River Trail. As of 7/26 there were cairns in the river to help navigate. Fun morning deep in the Dry River Wilderness, very quiet as usual, followed by a nice rock hop above treeline to Washington, before dropping back down into the Dry River.

Parking

Plenty of spots off the road along 302

Water Crossings

All water crossing are very low and easily rock hopped at the moment

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Huntington Ravine, Lions head, Tuckerman, crawford

Trail Conditions

Notes

Started from Joe Dodge Lodge parking lot at 0445 after a short drive from Conway. As the sun came up the bugs came out & it became humid. No other people in the ravine aside from two climbers taking a climbing route. At one point the vegetation covered blazes for the ravine trail route. I decided to decend to see if i could see blazes further up. I was using my gamrin fenix 7 with a route that i created in Alltrails with "smart routing" & exported. As i looked at the route to check where the trail was, it took me on the route the climbers were taking which was a technical climb. I dont doubt i would have realized this as i didnt see any blazes as i was headed in that direction and this was in the opposite direction from the blazes. They also decide to yell out and let me know that i should turn back in the direction i was originally going. In hindsight this was cool, though it irritated me at the time as i had been headed in that direction less than a minute. Hit the summit of washington via nelson crag just after 0800 before anything was open. It was chilly under clear skies with no other humans. Very pleasant. I headed down to lakes & stopped at the body of water choosing not to go to the hut as it was crowded & i can be averse to tons of people at times... At this point the new boots i was wearing were making it feel as though my achilles tendons were going to snap. I slowed my pace significantly as i headed back up washington. I made sure to step down with my heel instead of the front of my foot to decrease calves load. This helped nominally. After hitting the summit again and choking on smog from the cog emissions, i quickly headed down lions head trail/tuckerman ravine. I stopped a bit off trail far enough to not hear the cars & smell the smog to have a lunch. I took my boots off and was at this point mildly concerned about the achilles situation. It ended up being resolved by relacing the boots in a manner where i skip the laces that go around the ankle. This did something to take the stress off and my pace and perceived ability to move went back to baseline. I will have to figure this out in the future. Not my favorite day out, but a great summer day nonetheless..

Wildlife

yes

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Great Gulf, Nelson Crag, Wamsutta

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great Gulf is beautiful a lot of fun, but the headwall section is steep! Summit of Washington was super busy on this blustery day with clouds passing by frequently. I regretted not packing gloves, as the wind dropped the temp up high. Nelson Crag has views for days, but the rocks are rough on the knees. Wamsutta is cool, short and very steep in a couple spots. Long, but enjoyable day.

Parking

Plenty of room at the Great Gulf trailhead on Rt 16

Water Crossings

most are easily walked over - the crossing by the closed bridge required one short jump. I crossed 15-20 feet downstream from the bridge.

Wildlife

Present, but not bothersome on the way up. Non-existent at the summit due to high winds. Slightly bothersome once I was back in the trees on the way down.

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

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

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

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

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

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

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

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

Tuckerman Ravine 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.

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine, Huntington Ravine, Alpine Garden, Lionhead

Trail Conditions

Notes

Huntington is in! Minor firm snow field after the large boulders and before the fan. Non issue right now. Initial ledge ascent wet at start from dwindling snowpack at left. Easy enough to nav through. Rest of trail above is summer conditions. Alpine Garden blooms are beginning. Trail is wet in spots as is Lion Head with some flow- but workable. Lion Head summer is clear of all snow but muddy and slick in spots especially the .3 above Hojo's. Tux section is a breeze with minor occasional mud/water flows.

Water Crossings

All crossings easily rock-hopped.

Wildlife

Black flies beginning, but a non issue on this day.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Webster-Jackson Trail, Webster Cliff Trail, Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop, Monroe Loop, Gulfside, Jewell Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

No snow/ice on the trails all day (there were a bunch of people who drove up the auto road and then hiked down to a chute on Clay into the Great Gulf and they said it was great. Mitzpah hut was open and had water and the usual items for sale. Nobody was around. Sherman Adams cafeteria on Washington was open (kitchen was not open) but you could get water and snacks and sweatshirts, etc. Things I saw today: A glider using the thermals over Monroe. A guy doing a Presi traverse looking for tape as the sole of his shoe was coming off. (he was trucking) A guy trying to do a triple Presi in 24 hours. (Appalachia-Crawford-Appalachia-Crawford). Yikes! Mt. Clinton Rd and Jefferson Notch rd still closed.

Parking

Parked at Cog ($10/person/day). There is a credit card machine in the hiker lot. Rode bike to Jackson TH.

Water Crossings

Nothing remotely challenging

Wildlife

None.

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Lion Head Trail, Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

No spikes needed anymore for Lionhead trail. The two steep odd-angled snow fields just below treeline can be traversed without traction, just use caution. These should even get easier to cross as the week progresses with the warm temps. Above treeline is bare ground, except for three snowfields below the Keyhole. The first two are low-angled and easy to walk right over, the third is steep but can be avoided by rock hopping along the edge. Nice morning on the Rockpile, good views, minimal wind, and quiet trails.

Parking

Plenty of parking at PNVC

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.

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Gorgeous day with mostly dry conditions; microspikes only needed a handful of times

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ammonoosoc Ravine Trail, Crawford Path, Mt Monroe Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

In and out hike. Parked in the FS parking lot. Muddy areas to the reroute - firm base - OK to walk through. Mostly dry trail to Gem pool and beyond to the waterfall area then off and on monorail to Lake of the Clouds Hut. I wore microspikes on the monorails both up and down. Spikes totally optional. The Monroe Loop was mostly dry trail. Crawford Path had newly formed breakable ice in places- easily avoidable. Overall Crawford Path was in great shape. Windy and cold.

Parking

Parked in the FS parking lot. With the Amo reroute it may be shorter than Cog Parking. $5.00 fee no cars at 7:15 5 cars at 3:15

Water Crossings

Rock hops

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Boott Spur Trail, Davis Path, Lawn Cut-Off, Lion Head Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Went up Boott Spur/Davis Path/Lawn Cut-Off, then down Lion Head Trail. Started around 10am and returned around 7:15pm. A light shirt and pants was fine up until Harvard Rock, then layered on a fleece pullover, raincoat, winter hat, gloves, and neck coverage for the rest of the day. Clear skies until around noon, then poor visibility the rest of the day with light snow on the ascent and freezing rain on the descent. Sunglasses were useful but not essential. Strong winds made for a brief summit visit, just as well for the group that had arrived via the Cog. Rocks were wet but generally not slippery. Lion Head Trail has some long stretches of wet and slippery snow for which traction is not very useful; fortunately, slips and slides were fairly slow and caught by rocks/trees. Great views and experience despite the changes in weather. Knees were extremely sore by the end of Lion Head Trail. Wet conditions left our "waterproof" footwear and gloves saturated and soggy -- extra gloves, hat, and socks are recommended.

Parking

Plenty of parking at Joe Dodge Lodge

Water Crossings

Some rock hopping, especially towards the top of Lion Head Trail where the trail was ~90% submerged.

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Jewell, Crawford connector, Crawford, Monroe Loop, Franklin Loop, Eisenhower Loop, Mitzpah Springs cut-off

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

TLDR - Spikes are preferable, barebooting is possible Details. About ~4500' on Jewell we put on spikes because of pooled ice running down the trail and filling in the level spots/between rocks. With the overnight snowfall and ongoing flurries covering the icy patches so you couldn't see them until you gracefully slipped across those spots, it was just easier to keep 'em on. Same on the way down from Washington summit to the Lake of the Clouds hut, patches of ice here and there made the traction worth-it. Its possible to bare-boot it as a group passed by us on their ascent with just trail runners. Same approach up Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower and over to Pierce. The only real monorail was the last 1/10 of a mile on Crawford Path just below the Pierce intersection after leaving Ike. That was mostly solid, still 5-6' high in most places and starting to collapse here and there. Same small hidden patches of ice and snow all the way to Mitzpah Hut. The hut was open, but no caretaker around at that time so we didn't spent any time inside. That was the last time we took the spikes off for the easy (muddy) trip down the Mitzpah Springs Cut-off and Crawford Path to the Highland Center. So in summary - spring hiking conditions.

Parking

Cog Hikers lot digital iron ranger walks you thru the parking pass, only saw 1x other car there on either the start and finish. Mt Clinton Rd is still closed, so still need a lengthier car-spot or other ride

Wildlife

Thankfully the bug spray and bear spray stayed in the pack pocket the entire time

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trails Used

Ammonoosuc Ravine up, Jewell Trail down

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Spring hike on Mt Washington. Snowy conditions with limited views. Group included a father, teenage son, and two friends led by Redline Guide Debra McCown. Completed the classic loop route on Northeast's highest peak.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog, Crawford Path, Davis Path, Tuckerman Crossover, Crawford, Mt Monroe Loop, Crawford, Mt. Franklin, Crawford, Mt. Eisenhower Loop, Crawford, Webster Cliff, Crawford

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Never hiked up Cog before. Interesting, and most direct, way to get to top of Washington. All trails were relatively clear of any snow until base of Eisenhower loop. The little snow that you will find is easy to navigate around or solid enough to step on without slipping. From Monroe side of Eisenhower to Monroe in the trees is a mixed bag of stable monorail, raised monorail that is quickly deteriorating but still makes you tight rope walk as there is no other way to get around and sections of 6+ feet of snow that was walkable today. Crawford Path from junction of Webster Cliff trail, on way to Crawford Notch, is a mix of western trails (ones that are paved with ice), stable monorail, and deteriorating snow pack. The section near the outlook with th bench close to the junction of Crawford Path and Webster Cliff is interesting as it is 5-6 feet in places and is slanted. Bring the rock spikes for Crawford path for the next couple of weeks if you plan to hike to Pierce or Eisenhower. Rain will do some work tomorrow to help out with the lower ice/snow paths but will still be needed for higher up. Don’t ever miss the chance to take in the sites from Mount Franklin!

Water Crossings

Nothing to be concerned about today. Tomorrow, maybe.

Wildlife

Minimal. One was consumed by mistake. Extra protein.

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Lion Head Trail, Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Dirty snow and ice show up after the Huntington Ravine junction on TRT, which can be barebooted or rock spiked. Lion Head trail is 75% clear of snow. There are three snowfield sections, the steepest one is right before reaching treeline (avalanche terrain zone in winter), it was not a problem yesterday, as it was very warm out, and we were able to spike it up following a boot pack. The other two snowfields are just past the Alpine Garden Trail junction up to the Keyhole. Again, since it was warm, the snow was soft, making for easy going. If it is below freezing, these three snowfields would get a little spicy. Tuckerman Ravine Trail up to the summit is bare ground. Nice afternoon on the Rockpile. Entertaining looking down into the Bowl and over to the Eastern snowfield watching the skiers whoop it up!

Trails Used

Cog route, Nelson Crag Trail, Gulfside, Jewell Trail

Notes

We bare-booted car-to-car. As reported by others, Cog route had snow patches above Jacob's Ladder and a more consistent, light snow cover above 5000', all pedestrian with the sun softening things. Gulfside also had stretches of shallow spring snow. Descending Jewell above timberline provided its usual joy with occasional shallow snow patches. Once in the woods, a narrow monorail made things a bit tedious until about 3700' but snow cover lessened, then disappeared below 3000' or so. Beautiful day of hiking with Chris on expected trail conditions, with light winds and ample sunshine. An A-10 buzzed us on the way up. We saw one hiker all day but many skiers, all of whom had driven up the open auto road. Oh, and a couple of nice tourists highly traumatized by their drive up.

Parking

Lots of open spaces at the Cog station lot, $10/head, payment by credit card.

Water Crossings

None on this route.

Wildlife

Flying but not biting yet.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Monroe Loop, Crawford Path, Cog Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Flat ice, intermittent low monorail, and bare ground until about 3,700.’ At the spur trail above Gem Pool (that goes over to the top of the waterfall) began consistent ice and ice flows warranting traction. About 4,200 it changed to various levels of monorails and white ice until about 4/10ths below the hut. From there to Monroe and over to Washington was spring snow, white ice, and bare rocks. Enough rocks that you could avoid most of the snow by hopping from one to the next. About 4/10ths below Washington was an extended section of snow (~2/10ths of a mile), but again, you could rock hop. There were a few patches of flat snow and two side hill icy sections descending beside the Cog but most could be avoided. No scary side ice or no-fall zones. The majority was bare ground beside the Cog.

Parking

$10 via new machine that takes cards. I had cash ready, but there were no envelopes in the iron ranger.

Water Crossings

Easy peasy at Gem Pool, rock hop.

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ammo Ravine -> Jewel Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail conditions were pretty good and ammo ravine was pretty popular today, all great people. would recommend micro spikes even though i think i only wore them for ~20 min overall, definitely doable without them. super warm weather for late april, didn’t wear a shirt until after washington summit. small section of the crawford path by mt monroe was difficult/dangerous in the snow, otherwise beautiful and easy day!!

Parking

parking was easy

Water Crossings

rock hopping at worst, very easy

Wildlife

none

Trails Used

Cog Railway route to Lake of the Clouds Hut

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Started at 7:30 AM from Cog parking lot. Minor snow drifts from wind in some sections. Snowshoes could have been used briefly but would not have been necessary for most of route. Excellent weather with nearly 100% sun exposure caused severe sunburns on some hikers due to snow reflection - face protection recommended. Almost no wind. Flawless spring conditions.

Parking

Electronic payment kiosk added for parking permits

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine, Right Gully, Left Gully

Trail Conditions

Notes

Spring day skiing in Tuckerman Ravine with amazing weather. Guide provided instruction on crampon use, ice axe use, self-arrest skills, and transitioning from crampons to skis. Skier descended both Right and Left Gullies.

Trails Used

Cog, Crawford Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Started this hike at about 730 from the Cog parking lot. They have added an electronic payment kiosk for parking permits. We did not carry snow shoes. Sections of the route that we took (up the cog, down to Lake of the Clouds Hut, & back up) could have benefited from use of snowshoes, but you would have had to take them off after 5 minutes. These were areas where wind had created minor snow drifts from whatever fell during the week. The day was rare in that we had almost 100% sun exposure. Some of us were burned badly as a result of the sun reflecting off of the snow (wearing hats but no face protection). By the end of the day I had a headache from the sun myself. All in all a flawless spring day with almost no wind though... https://youtu.be/9T7ZzNYWIM8 (summit)

Parking

paid

Water Crossings

n/a

Wildlife

not yet

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

Tuckerman Ravine, Hermit Lake Shelters

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Two-day guided educational adventure in spring. Day one: training in Tuckerman Ravine bowl with overnight stay at Hermit Lake Shelters. Day two: planned snow gully climb (Hillman's Highway or Left Gully) was not completed due to participant fatigue. Team was led by Redline Guide Debra McCown. Participant described as teenage guest who found the overnight hike with pack more challenging than expected despite prior hiking experience.

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.

Notes

Two young hikers (ages 17 and 18) were rescued from the summit of Mt. Washington after one experienced significant leg pain during harsh weather conditions with high winds and precipitation. Conservation Officers located them with assistance from Mt. Washington State Park employees and transported them safely down the mountain by vehicle.

Trails Used

Right Gully, Tuckerman Ravine

Trail Conditions

Notes

Ski descent in Tuckerman Ravine. Guest returned 18 years after first visit as a teenager. Climbed Right Gully (Left Gully had a conga line). Visibility changed from excellent to poor during transition from climbing to skiing. Spring snow conditions were good. Continuous ski descent to ravine floor. Guided by Redline Guide Will Murphy.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog, Ammo

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Perfect evening hike with sunset views. Water crossings encountered on Ammo. Descended via the Cog Railway trail. Reporter is working on completing a grid (8 peaks remaining). Hiking with 9-year-old Scarlett who is at 424/576 of her grid.

Water Crossings

Tricky water crossings navigated on Ammo climb

Trails Used

West to East traverse via Cog Railway path and Lobster Claw

Equipment

Notes

Winter mountaineering training program. Original plan to climb Lobster Claw or similar gully was changed due to Tuckerman Inferno ski race using those gullies. Instead, guided group traversed Mt Washington from west to east, summiting via path along the Cog Railway and planning to descend via Lobster Claw after the ski race concluded. Decent weather overall with wind present. Rime ice and spindrift observed.

Parking

Car drop for west to east traverse

Trails Used

SLH (Sherburne Lake Head), Lion's Head

Trail Conditions

Notes

Hiker completed ascent and descent via SLH and both Lion's Head trails. Required ice axe for arrest on avalanche section. Both Lion's Head trails reported as effectively closed due to conditions. Post title indicates hike date as 4/10 (April 10) but specific year not provided. Hiker noted difficulty with spring conditions requiring frequent equipment changes between boots, cleats, and crampons.

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 Railway, Crawford Path, Mt. Monroe Loop, Mt. Eisenhower Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

TLDR: Spikes on and off all day. Snowshoes not needed today, but still plenty of snow between Ike and Pierce that might need shoes when melty. Details: No to low winds all day :). Ascent by the Cog was a mix of bare ground, then ice and snow patches. Jacob's Ladder stretch was fine ascending in spikes, but I might have wanted more serious traction if descending. All along the ridge was a combo of ice patches, rock, puddles... repeat. If all that water freezes hard again, it will be very icy in patches. Still lots of snow between Ike and Pierce. The monorail was holding up, but it will be messy when it gets soft. Coming down from Pierce was still super firm and great for spikes. Gorgeous day out there!

Parking

Crawford Path lot nearly empty. Note: There is some kind of logging activity on Mt. Clinton Rd past the road closure. A hiker reported about 60 trees across the road. Not a good time for a road walk!

Water Crossings

Nothing to see here.

Trails Used

Ammonoosuc ravine

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Microspikes to start the trail with patches of packed ice in the middle of the trail. Water crossings are passable with some rock hopping. Trail is covered with a sheet of slippery ice at higher elevator, we switched to crampons and ice axe. Strong wind gusts (90mph) above tree line. We took a break in the basement of Lake of the Clouds Hut and turned back. We followed the old Ammonoosuc ravine trail from the start, attempted to look for the new trail but couldn't find it. On our way back, AllTrails led us to the new trail which is not well marked at all, with a lot of switch backs and a down tree blocking the trail.

Water Crossings

Rock hopping

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Tuckerman/Lions Head Branch, Boott Spur Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Warm conditions in the 50s F. Summit winds 40-60mph per observatory. Trails were slushy and messy with hard sheet ice in places. Crampons needed for ascent until above treeline. Boott Spur provided excellent views of Tuckerman's Ravine and Lion's Head Trail.

Trails Used

Boott Spur, Lawn Cutoff, Boott Spur Link, Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Guided hike led by Redline Guide Debra McCown. Several inches of fresh snow fell the night before. Spring conditions encountered above treeline with snowdrifts, ice, dry rock, and old monorail visible. Weather was sunny with blue sky, barely any wind, and warm enough for sun hoodie. Slow tedious descent off ridge.

Trail Conditions

Notes

Winter conditions returned to the area. Decent amount of snow fell Tuesday. Alpenglow observed on Northern Presidentials.

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine

Trail Conditions

Notes

Two-day Mt Washington winter program led by Redline Guide Debra McCown. Day one plan was modified due to forecast - Saturday had good weather above treeline while Sunday had wind and mixed precipitation. Group hiked to Tuckerman Ravine for training session instead of summit attempt. Guest practiced crampon and ice axe skills on soft snow in springtime conditions. Watched skiers in the gullies and on the headwall. Day two classroom instruction on winter and rope skills due to poor weather.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog, Crawford Path, Mount Eisenshower Loop, Webster Cliff Trail, Webster Jackson Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

After climbing up the Cog in snowshoes, it is boney or fully open enough from 5,500’ on up to bareboot all the way across the summit of Washington. Between Washington and Monroe, crampons were definitely good to have on. I went with full crampons (Grivel G10s) this time of year given the hardness of the ice. You can get by with micros, but the actual purchase of crampons helps a lot. There are many fully open sections on southfacing trails, but plenty of ice and still a significant snowfield. The northeast side on Monroe is still very snowy and steep, but bare on top. We took off crampons after the summit of Monroe and barebooted all the way to the northeast side of Eisenhower. There are a few sections of deep snow amongst the trees, but it’s not that bad and has a firm monrail. The summit cone of Eisenhower is totally bare. Once back in the trees on the south side of Eisenhower there is still plenty of deep sections of snow. Snowshoes are still very helpful here and make moving a lot easier. Except for the summit of Pierce, it was snowshoes all the way to Jackson. For the most part the summit of Jackson is completely free of snow and ice, but as soon as you are back in the trees on Webster-Jackson, crampons are very necessary and we kept them on until we could see the road in Crawford Notch. It was definitely good to get these done while there is a decent amount of snow and monorail left, but things are going to get very messy soon!

Parking

First and last car in Crawford that day

Water Crossings

Things are melting quickly, but still crossable

Wildlife

Starting to emerge at Lakes of the Clouds :-(

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Base Station Road, cog rail, Gulfside Trail, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop Trail, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

All sorts of conditions out there. I parked at Ammo and walked up the road to the cog. I bare booted to the bottom of Jacob’s Ladder. Spikes would have been reasonable once above Waumbek station as the snow is consistent from there. I wore crampons past Jacob’s Ladder. While it would have been doable with spikes, it was a bit icy, and I felt more secure with crampons on the short no fall section. At the top of Jacob’s Ladder, the snow and ice all but disappear, and I bare booted to the summit of Washington and then down to Lakes. Spikes on for the rest of the hike from there. There’s still a good bit of snow on the north facing slope of Monroe, but it’s soft enough that spikes work instead of crampons. Ammo Ravine is a mess. The upper portion is postholed to s**t, but it’s also too bumpy and too rocky to use snowshoes on. It’s mostly supportive if you stay on the straight and narrow but won’t be for long. The steep portion above Gem Pool is getting pretty icy. I was OK in spikes here but think crampons will make sense this week as it cools. Below Gem Pool, it’s an increasingly receding monorail, always stable though. You probably want to bring all the traction things on Ammo for the next few days until the warm up gets going. Great day on Washy. Felt more like June in the Cascades than April in the Whites.

Parking

No issues

Water Crossings

All are open. Currently easy to cross.

Wildlife

None yet

Trails Used

Hillman's Highway, Tuckerman Ravine, Lobster Claw

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Fog below 5000ft with 50-150ft visibility during ascent. Above 5200ft had pristine clear skies with 360-degree views and 100 mile visibility. Wind 0 mph, temperature 30°F. Summit was nearly empty except for one person via Cog Railway. Fog returned on descent with whiteout conditions at ravine floor. Downclimbed Lobster Claw carefully for about 20 minutes.

Parking

Started from Pinkham Notch

Trails Used

Winter Lion Head

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Winter Lion Head is completely out for the season. Bottom half is a sheet of ice with dirt. Section above Wilcox Step is nearly impossible to downclimb - no good kicks possible even with ice axes. High avalanche danger. Extreme exposure and serious fall risk with potential 70 foot slide into Wilcox. Whiteout conditions during descent made route finding difficult.

Trails Used

Lion Head Winter Route

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Firsthand guided trip report on Lion Head Winter Route. Dirt showing at Pinkham Notch, route getting thin. Thin and icy conditions lower down, solid snow on summit after recent storms. Late 9am start. Bluebird conditions on summit with wind and frigid temps. Rime ice on summit sign. Snowpack solid enough to take direct snowfield route to summit. Descent via usual route following cairns to Split Rock. Route may soon be out for season without more snow.

Trails Used

Red Line Trail to Hermit Lakes Shelters

Trail Conditions

Notes

85-year-old hiker reached Hermit Lakes Shelters and continued toward Tuckerman Ravine Cirque. Guide Chase Hall noted consistent, non-stop pace. Trip ended due to increased sliding fall risks near the cabin. Previous visit reached only the second bridge.

Trails Used

Huntington Ravine via Central Gully

Notes

Rain began around 9-10am. Wind persisted throughout the day.

Trails Used

Tuckerman ravine, Huntington ravine rd, lion head

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail heading to lion head was fine, hard packed, used spikes until Lion head. The route has ice but there was a lot of exposed rock in the wilcox crux. Other sections have snow and ice. We successfully used ice axe to ascend but it was spicy. Above treeline kept crampons on to summit and for the return until after lion head trail. Take thoughtful steps, above treeline. No snowshoe needed due to temps. Heading down from summit was slower than I expected. Tricky sink holes etc.

Trails Used

Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Lion Head Winter Route

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Winter lions head in fine condition. Ice base covered with well bonded well packed snow. Crampons are the move, micro spikes are a bit underpowered for the steep ice. We used double axe technique to climb up and on the way down rappelled the steeper stretches. It's certainly possible to down climb, we passed maybe a dozen doing just that. Funny how much more snow there was than mid week, when the steeps were bare ice.

Parking

2/3 full at 8am

Water Crossings

Brooks just starting to appear under snow bridges down low, still frozen up higher