Mt. Crawford Hike - EXTENDED Edition

This trip is an extended version of the "Mount Crawford Hike" trip listed separately below in the GO event calendar. Ahead of joining that group atop Mt. Crawford (3119') on the backswing and finishing the day together with them, we will take advantage of ridge efficiencies to nail two additional 3,000-foot peaks with great views and spectacular terrain.  To permit this, we will set forth on the Davis Path shortly after 8am, bound for Stairs Mountain (3463') and Mt. Resolution (3415').  If you register for this trip, you should take care not to register for the other one.

Note on the photos: These are from a shot I took of Stairs Mountain and Mt. Resolution (foreground) while with a GO group on Mt. Crawford's summit this past winter.  The first picture was a crude attempt on my part to summer-ize the photo - although what we're more likely to see on Saturday amid the evergreens is some great autumn color.  The second picture is the actual winter shot.

Our route and expected timing: Apart from minor detours to the actual summits of the three mountains, our hike follows the Davis Path.  Constructed circa 1830, this trail ascends and traverses the following major peaks: Crawford, Resolution, Stairs, Davis, Isolation, and finally Boott Spur on Mt. Washington. After setting forth from the trailhead shortly after 8am, we will reache the shoulder of Mt. Crawford in 2.2 miles. From there, we will continue another 2.2 miles past Mt. Resolution and hike most of the way the top Stairs Mountain. There are a few ledgy scrambles toward the end of this stretch.  A 0.2-mile side path will take us to the top of the Giant Stairs, with great views over which we'll enjoy our lunch.  From there, we'll return to the Davis Path and head back toward Mt. Resolution, whose summit is roughly 1.4 miles of hiking from the top of Stairs Mountain.  Then, onward back along the ridge to Mt. Crawford and its summit, another 2.3 miles, where we'll join up with the Crawford-only hikers at approximately 3pm, enjoy the view and head back down to the cars, a final 2.5 miles.

We expect to complete the hike and be back to the cars before 5pm.  You are then welcome at Mike's house in Waterville Valley for a BBQ and beer, were you can also take a shower and change into fresh clothes if you wish.  

Trip size and difficulty:  We will hike a total 10.8 miles, with 3300' of elevation gain.  Note that because Crawford, Resolution and Stairs all share the same ridge, this is only 1200' more vertical gain than that of the Crawford-only group. The Davis Path is rugged, but with the exception of some occasional short scrambles en route to the top of the Giant Stairs, the trail finesses the steep slopes of Mt. Crawford and Stairs Mountain with switchbacks.

What to Bring: You will want to bring comfortable (previously tested over distances), stable shoes, shell clothing in case of sudden rain or harsh winds, a fleece or wool insulating layer, lunch, energy snacks, 3 quarts of water depending on temperature. For a full recommended list, check out the 'hiking gear list' link below.

Directions:  We will meet up at the Davis Path trailhead at 8:00am.  Follow I-93 North to Exit 35 (Rt. 3 North).  Follow Rt. 3 for 10.4 miles, where it hits Rt. 302.  Turn R on Rt. 302.  The trailhead is 16.8 miles east (and south) on Rt. 302, which is roughly 8.5 miles beyond the AMC Highland Center.  You'll recognize the trailhead parking lot on the east (left) side of Rt. 302 both by the nearby Notchland Inn, and by the interesting suspension footbridge that crosses the Saco River a few hundred feet to the left (north) of the lot.  From Concord, NH, allow 1 hour and 55 minutes for this drive.

Lodging option: Mike ('Gandalf' on GO) has 8 bunks available for Saturday night at his house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. No need for a sleeping bag; all linens/blankets are provided. There are also towels for showers. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. This includes a continental breakfast in the morning [very basic] and coffee. Contact him to reserve, since space is limited.

Note on signing up:  Please ensure that you sign up *either* for this trip (for the complete extended experience) or for the Mt. Crawford-only trip.  Do not register for both trips.