Mts. Pierce and Eisenhower Winter Hike

We took the Crawford Path and Mt. Eisenhower Loop trails for 9.4 miles, out-and-back hike with 3,250 feet of elevation gain. For a variety of reasons, the hike up to Mt. Eisenhower is considerably tougher in winter than any other season!

Mt Clinton Rd parking lot was not plowed and blocked. We had to park on Route 302 on the AMC Highland Center side. It was a comfortable 26 degrees when we got out of the truck. Unfortunately, I thought I communicated a start time of 8:00am so after 8:15am I contacted Bob to let him know we were starting without him. I actually stated a start time of 8:30am…so sorry Bob…thankfully you caught up to us on the trail.  

We have not begun on the actual start of the Crawford Path in years so this was a treat! The trail was semi-packed so wore snowshoes. I would say 2/3 of hikers wore Microspikes while the remainder had snowshoes.

The trees were magical today…an assembly of various forms of snow gnomes…and very friendly too! We took a snack break 1.9 miles up, at the intersection with Mizpah Cut-Off. We continued onward, up the final 1.2 miles to tree line thorough a fine boreal forest.

The wind was about 20mph so we layered up. From here, it was a quick 0.1 mile up to the summit of Pierce. We got a preview of our next destination after Pierce, Mt. Eisenhower that was barely visible. We were happy to see that it was not socked in!

We chatted with a group of hikers on the summit of Mt. Pierce with fun banter between us. We then made our way to Mt. Eisenhower. Snowshoes absolutely necessary after Mt. Pierce to Mt. Eisenhower since the trail was barely broken. Everyone going to Ike had snowshoes save one hiker who was chewing up the trail. Bob did not bring his snowshoes so had to turn around.

Eisenhower ahead, the snow gnomes guided our way. It was a 1.6-mile hike on the ridge between Pierce and Eisenhower. As we hiked towards Eisenhower the summit began to appear. Today was spectacular traverse to Mt. Eisenhower as views opened up along the way!

At the base of the summit cone, we took off our packs for the final summit push. It was windy as we climbed up the steep summit cone with blowing snow but not to the point that it shoved us around. Halfway up we put on our goggles and face protection. We made it to the top! 40 mph wind, 5 below zero wind chill and blowing snow…we did not stay up there too long.  

Once out of the wind below the summit cone, we found a sheltered area for lunch. Our descent was routine except at the Mizpah Hut Cut-off where we had fun feeding the Gray Jays. We got back to our truck around 3:30pm.

Back at our house, we enjoyed appetizers around the fireplace, soaking our tired bodies in the hot tub and enjoying a delicious Turkey Tetrazzini cooked up by Jon! Yummy. Later we had a piece of Lava Cake with a side of whipped cream and fresh raspberries.   

Today was one of those days where your camera just isn't big enough to capture the massive spectacle that's spread out in front of you...a breathtaking winter day in the Presidentials! An electric white, snow-cladded, granite monolith of the Presidential peaks. One of the most beautiful experiences in the winter...that's why we were there!

~ Jon and Mike

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!