Mt. Moosilauke

What an awesome day!  What beats climbing to 4,803 feet to face 40 to 45 mile per hour winds and white out conditions – hmmm – maybe a nor’easter but that is wishful thinking as we haven’t yet reached the official start to winter!  Yet, there we were getting blasted with full on winter conditions.

Mt. Moosilauke never disappoints nor did the hearty group of adventurers that came together this fine day to summit.  A massive shout out to Dpbyrns, Gandalph, JDNnh and a new adventurous soul, Summitjunkie.

I arrived at the trail head right at 9am – a bit lagging – and since I’d car pooled with dpbyrns, he was lagging too!  We waisted no time in suiting up, sporting our micro-spikes and hitting the trail in high gear.  It is 3.9 miles from trail head to summit and the skies were mixed, blue to the south and gray to the west and north.  A blue bird day was not in the forecast but we would be treated to a brilliant surprise on South Peak.

I, in my lagging rush to skip out the door, forgot my camera.  I had my cell phone, but it doesn’t like cold weather.  I managed to tuck the phone inside my core which enabled me to score a few photos, but not many.

We passed many a trekker on the way up.  By 12:30pmish we were at the trail junction of the Carriage Road with Glencliff.  After a short break and layering up we headed to the summit.  It got a little tricky towards the end – we meandered from cairn to cairn under strong winds and moderate white out conditions.  We soon reached the summit sign where I snapped a photo of this amazing group of men!  After taking in the elements we headed back down to the trail junction where we had lunch.  It was amazingly warm after that experience, lol.

We briefly detoured up to South Peak where we bore witness to the clearing of the clouds.  With amazing speed – the clouds broke up and gave us periodic views of the summit only to cloud over again.  To one side was an undercast, to the other – the drama of blowing winds and cloudy conditions – it was amazing.

In a stunning and athletic display of true hiker energy we skittled off the mounting with some enjoying a good butt slide while others just trekking through.  I myself could not believe it but by 2:15pm we were back at the trail head.  We had climbed and descended Mt. Moosilauke  – over 7.8 miles in five hours – that was fast!!  A round of well wishing Merry Christmas and off we went.  I was home by 5:30pm which is a record for a jaunt, a summit, and a return trip from the White Mountains.

Rock on gentlemen – thanks for making this day one fine display of high energy hearty hiking!  Loved it!!

Winter has arrived early in the White Mountains and there is no better time to get a jump start on breaking in your snow shoes!  The holiday party circuit is well underway so why not burn some pre-social soiree calories by climbing a mountain.  We’ll be hiking up Mt. Moosilauke via the Glencliff Trail in Glencliff, NH.

I’ve been up Mt. Moosilauke a handful of times and the views  on a blue bird day are magnificent.   On this trip the landscape promises pristine snow - and with a little luck - bright blue skies.  Moosilauke in Summer or Winter?  Witner wins – but come check it out for yourself.

The Glencliff trail is part of the AT and runs 3 miles up to South Peak to intersect with the Carriage Road.  From there we ascend the final .9 miles to summit Moosilauke.  The ascent along this trail has been described as “scenic and charming with enough challenging terrain to keep the blood pumping.” 

If you are new to winter hiking, this would be the hike for you.  The trail is pleasant, the grade is moderate.  There are no major water crossings or rock scrambling – it truly is a stunning walk in the forest with your two feet firmly planted on the snow.

The Plan:

On Saturday we’ll meet at the trail head off of High Street in Glencliff, NH.  Along the way we’ll take water and snack breaks – make time for lunch – and of course – take in the views.  Round trip is 8 miles including a short spur trail to South Peak.  While the grades are moderate, it’s a full day of hiking.  Be prepared which will include snow shoes.  Total elevation gain is 3,300’.  Bring microspikes - sometimes the summit is best traversed with microspikes.  After the hike if there is sufficient interest we can grab a bit to eat at a local dining spot.

What to bring: 

Food:  Bring snacks and a lunch for the hike.  A little extra is always good.  A thermos with hot apple cider or coffee is a very sweet treat.

Water:  Bring two liters.  Bottles should be in insulated – no hydration devices.

Clothing:  No Cotton!  Temps will vary from start to summit and summits are often windy.  Moosilauke can be finicky.  Bring layers, gloves, hat, face mask, hand warmers, micro-spikes, and other gear you may want for the hike.  Your pack should be big enough to carry excess gear as you warm up.   Inclement weather will cancel the trip. As always, be prepared for unexpected changes in weather conditions.