Full Cold Moon Holiday Hike to West Rattlesnake Mtn.-1200'

Had a great meal, caught up with each other, spoke about our past adventures and planned for next year. The full moon was hidden by clouds but nonetheless we had good views of Squam Lake. We returned back to the house for some dessert, soaked in the hot tub and chatted by the fireplace. 

Happy Holidays!

Mike and Jon

Come and join us to howl at the moon on this winter evening! 

We’ll start with dinner at our house with a roaring fire in our fireplace, carpool to hike the mountain and return back to our house to soak our tired muscles in our hot tub & shoot some fireworks. [Contact us if you prefer to meet us at the trailhead so we can make arrangement to rendezvous.]

This will be an easy winter hike with light traction and headlamps to West Rattlesnake Mtn. summit (1200') overlooking Squam Lake. Round trip is 1.8 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain. Ledge below the summit provides gorgeous views south over Squam Lake with the Belknap Range and part of Lake Winnipesauke in the distance. The stroll up is renowned for its lopsided reward-to-effort ration.

What to wear/bring:  Microspikes and headlamp will be necessary. Don't forget to wear warm layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, water, snacks, and anything else you would bring for a cold weather hike. We are taking hand warmers for our gloves. Winter insulated boots to keep your feet and toes warm recommended.

Dinner: We are starting the festivities with a holiday dinner at our house in Waterville Valley and relax beside our fireplace with views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [BYOB and bring snacks].  We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Saturday night. The cost is $35 for Saturday that includes dinner noted above. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited to six so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Estimated Timetable:
4PM Social Hour
5PM Dinner
6:30 Drive to Hike, Hike and Return
9:00 Back at house and soaking in hot tub
10:00 Fireworks