Mt. Liberty via Liberty Springs

Overview

The hike up Mount Liberty (4,459 ft) turned into a full winter adventure, complete with 4 to 5 feet of new snow in the last few weeks (thank goodness for the monorail).  The summit wind gusts (20+ mph) sent plumes of snow swirling off the ridge. The optional plan was to  continue across the ridge to Mount Flume, but the conditions (wind and unpacked snow with no snowshoes) above treeline made that a no go. Liberty alone was a worthy challenge.

Ascent

Our approach was via the Whitehorse trail, which along with the start of the Liberty Spring Trail had minimal snow coverage.  But as the incline steepened traction was welcomed - even though the climb was via monorail. 

The climb to the Liberty Spring tent site was steady and sheltered. Occasional gusts shook snow down from the pines, but the forest provided reliable protection from the worst of the weather. Above the tent site, the trail grew steeper.

Franconia Ridge and the Summit

As soon as the trees thinned, the wind made its presence known as we arrived at Franconia Ridge. Gusts hit 20+ mph with strong blasts funneling across the exposed ridge. Snow whipped across the trail, filling in tracks within minutes.  With the colder temperatures and wind chill factor we donned on more apparel.  It's winter in the mountains!!!

Visibility was fabulous and ever changing as the winds whipped the clouds across the ridge.

At the top we saw remnants of prior foot traffic - as prior hikers postholed their way past the summit.  After several minutes of assessing the route, it was clear that with drifting snow;  unpacked trail conditions; and limited daylight hours crossing to Mount Flume and back was not a good option.

Descent & more

The descent started a bit slow until we got off the summit & the ridge trail..  From there it was fairly easy going.

As a reward, for our accomplishments, we all headed to Enzo’s Pizzeria to celebrate - yummy!!!

(Note: this trail report was brought to you chatGPT & Mo (otherwise known as MoGPT)

Liberty Springs Trail

Starting at the Whitehorse trail parking lot we walk/hike the Whitehouse Trail for about 0.9 miles. Then at the junction we turn onto the Liberty Spring Trail (part of the AT). After 0.6 miles we fork to the left to the Franconia Ridge Trail – then take a right to the summit of Liberty.

The trail is 4.1 miles to the summit and has an elevation gain of 3,150 feet.  Total trip time, including lunch and the extra time to get to the trail from the parking lot and back, can run 7-8 hrs, but really depending on trail condition and the group's speed. Speaking of...

This hike is only for MODERATE TO STRENUOUS HIKERS. With days now shorter, we can't afford to wait for anyone falling far behind. We want to move at an even pace without excessive or long breaks. There will be a longer lunch break. 

If we are fast in reaching Mt Liberty submit and it's possible to continue onto Mt Flume without risking getting caught in the dark on our return to the parking lot, then extending the hike is an option.. Hiking both mountains would give us a total of 9.4 miles (plus 0.9 miles each way between parking lot and trail access), and a total elevation gain of 4143 feet.

Wear warm clothing suitable for the exposed ledge and summit(s)...no cotton or blue jeans.  You should also have boots with good traction and suitable for the season. Keep micro spikes handy. Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a winter day hike. The GO site has great information on what to wear/bring.