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Mts. Pierce and Eisenhower Winter Hike

Join us for this 9.6 mile winter hike to the summits of two prominent 4000-foot peaks in the Presidential Range!

Mts. Pierce and Eisenhower Winter Hike

Join us for this 9.6 mile winter hike to the summits of two prominent 4000-foot peaks in the Presidential Range!

Details

Join us for this 9.6 mile winter hike 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.

This open summit features incredible 360-degree views. 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.

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.  This will be a long, strenuous day with exposure to weather above-tree line in winter. Please note this hike is considered strenuous and above tree line exposure can make it extremely hazardous, as such members should have the fitness and gear to match the conditions.

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 winter 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 $10 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 $25 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!

Directions

As you pass the exit for Lincoln, continue on I-93 N for 11.9 miles.  Take exit 35 to merge onto US-3 North toward Twin Mountain. Follow US-3 N for 10.3 miles.  Turn right onto US-302 and follow US-302 East for 8.4 miles where you'll drive by Bretton Woods Ski Area and the Mt. Washington Hotel.  The Crawford Path parking will be on the left...before the AMC Highlander Center...taking a left for a short distance up the Mt. Clinton Road (beyond this, the road is closed).  Total distance from Lincoln is 30.8 miles (about 35 minutes).  Look for a blue Toyota Tacoma truck. 

Saturday, January 28, 2023
Bretton Woods, NH · Directions
Meet at 8:30 AM
Hosted by Gandalf
3/12 signed up
Mts. Pierce and Eisenhower Winter Hike

About this event

Join us for this 9.6 mile winter hike 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.

This open summit features incredible 360-degree views. 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.

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.  This will be a long, strenuous day with exposure to weather above-tree line in winter. Please note this hike is considered strenuous and above tree line exposure can make it extremely hazardous, as such members should have the fitness and gear to match the conditions.

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 winter 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 $10 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 $25 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!

Directions to the trailhead

Get directions
Opens turn-by-turn directions to Bretton Woods, NH, 03285 in Google Maps (new tab).

As you pass the exit for Lincoln, continue on I-93 N for 11.9 miles.  Take exit 35 to merge onto US-3 North toward Twin Mountain. Follow US-3 N for 10.3 miles.  Turn right onto US-302 and follow US-302 East for 8.4 miles where you'll drive by Bretton Woods Ski Area and the Mt. Washington Hotel.  The Crawford Path parking will be on the left...before the AMC Highlander Center...taking a left for a short distance up the Mt. Clinton Road (beyond this, the road is closed).  Total distance from Lincoln is 30.8 miles (about 35 minutes).  Look for a blue Toyota Tacoma truck. 

Who's going (3)

Gandalf SUSTAINING
Gandalf
Thornton, NH
Attended
mecyclingrunner SUSTAINING
mecyclingrunner
LEWISTON, ME
Attended
Bobcat SUSTAINING
Bobcat
Upton, MA
Attended

Questions about this event?

Reach out to the host, Gandalf, for route details, carpooling, or what to bring.

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