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Mts. Jackson and Webster Hike

Congrats to Stephen on hiking up his first WINTER 4,000 footer!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Bretton Woods, NH

Moderate to Strenuous

Hosted by Gandalf

The trip report

Mounts Jackson and Webster. 6.5 miles rountrip. 2,400 feet of elevation gain.

Our first peak of this winter season!

It felt SO GOOD to get back on the trails in the higher summits this winter!

We woke up to a red sky with the outside thermometer reading -12 degrees at the house. This week was bitterly cold with over a foot of snow falling during the week, so snowshoes were needed the entire day. The trail was broken up to Mount Jackson.

Cold temperatures in the forecast did not hold people back as we saw lots of hikers on the trails. The upper ledges of Mt. Jackson were covered with snow, so the steep bits right before the summit didn't pose any problems. It wasn't as cold as expected as we ended with clear skies, no wind, and an amazing view of the Presis!

We teamed up with an AMC group to break the trail to Mt. Webster in a winter wonderland setting. After reaching the summit of Mt. Webster, we then broke the Webster branch of the Webster-Jackson trail ourselves. We crossed Silver Cascade that was frozen solid with bulging blue ice.

We enjoyed our hike. It's always nice to get out in the woods. Thanks to Stephen for being such great company on a very cold, snow-filled day. And congrats on hiking up his first WINTER 4,000 footer!

Happy New Year, everyone! Have a wonderful day - and keep warm!

Event photos (101)

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About this event

Mt. Jackson at 4,052 has the best view in the Southern Presidentials; and Mt. Webster awesome view into Crawford Notch! We will start on the Webster-Jackson Trail and take time to enjoy the views from Elephant Head and Bugle Cliff on the ascent. After 1.4 miles we'll take the left fork to first climb the summit of Mt. Jackson. We will be going clockwise, going up to Mt. Jackson[4052'] then over to Mt. Webster [3910']. Steep pitches may be icy or crusty, and the final scramble up the ledges on the cone can be tricky. The ridge walk to Mt. Webster is a winter wonderland, although this trail, may be hard to follow if there is deep, wind-drifted snow. The descent after Mt. Webster is steady back to the cars. This is a dog friendly hike. We will hike about 6.5 miles with a 2,400' elevation gain. It should take us 5.5 hours to complete this trip ~ this estimate is adjusted to allow for slower travel during winter because of heavier packs, includes time for changing clothing to regulate temperature and putting on/taking off snowshoes or microspikes along the way. This trip is considered MODERATE TO STRENUOUS because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. You should become self-reliant by becoming familiar with the route, terrain, and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions and there is no guarantee that we will complete the entire event as described here [e.g. we might not reach the summits]. While the objective of this event is to enjoy ourselves ~ your safety and the safety of the group is the most important thing. If you underestimate the demands of the trip' overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you may put yourself or others at risk ~ consider this before you decide to participate. Hiking safely is about being prepared to respond to an emergency situation or being able to spend a night in the woods if you have to. Bring your own stuff and know how to use it. Bring snowshoes [we may not need them but have them in your car], traction, and hand warmers for your gloves. Wear winter-insulated boots on your feet, warm socks, dress in layers [no cotton], gloves [mittens are best], warm hat and headlamp/flashlight. Some guys like to have a scarf/neck gaiter to keep their neck warm, gaiters for their boots to keep snow off their boots, ski poles and small thermos for something hot to drink. Don't forget water, lunch and snacks. After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the fireplace and enjoy a home cooked meal with dessert! It's BYOB and it costs $5 per person. Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Who came along (1)

SUSTAINING

Gandalf

Thornton, NH

Comments

Member · Dec 23, 2013

sorry guys was looking forward!

Gandalf · Jan 1, 2014

Have hand warmers for your mittens and be sure to have some of face protection above tree line such as a balaclava, neck gaiter, face mask, etc. The weather forecast models for the next snowstorm indicate the North Country will not receive much snow but nonetheless we expect to be using snowshoes. We may be switching to Micro Spikes for a tricky ledge near the summit so bring them.

Gandalf · Jan 5, 2014

Thanks Stephen for making this a great trip! I posted a report and pictures. To see them, the report will either be on the home page of the website or click on the Trip Reports link at the top of the home page. If you really want to thank us, share your comments with other members by clicking on “Post Your Comments About This Trip” button under “What Members Are Saying About This Activity.” Please consider running a trip for other members in the future.