HIKES & EVENTS
Mt. Jefferson via Caps Ridge Trail
Hiking/Walk
DATE: Oct 17, 2015
END DATE: Oct 17, 2015
Hike/Event Location: Bretton Woods NH
Trip Leader(s)
Gandalf
Thornton, NH United States,
JDNnh
Thornton, NH United States
Meeting Time: 9:30 AM
Max # People: 15
Hike Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Hike Difficulty Level:
Moderate to Strenuous
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Summary
If you want to get an incredible view from a 4,000 footer at peak foliage, this is one of the shortest hikes to the 3rd tallest mountain in the Northeast!
At 5,715 ft. Mt. Jefferson is the 3rd tallest of the NH 4,000 footers and also the third tallest in the Northeast. The sensational view south from Mount Jefferson's summit owes its fame to a vasts glacial cirque, the Great Gulf, backed by the towering crags of Mount Washington. We will using the Caps Ridge Trail from the highest trailhead on a public road in the White Mountains: Jefferson Notch Road. There the Caps Ridge Trail leaves the road for the 2.5 mile climb to the summit with 2,700 feet elevation gain.
Even though this is probably the ‘easiest’ approach to Mt. Jefferson it is still difficult since it includes lots of rock scrambles that can be challenging at times. We break treeline after 1 mile and begin clamber up to three jagged ledges called the Caps. It is fully exposed to weather in the next 2 miles as it ascends to Mt. Jefferson, with interesting perspectives across the Great Gulf toward Mount Washington, its auto road, and summit buildings!
This is up and back hike on the same trail. Because the hike involves extensive hiking above treeline, attention to safety and the mountain’s notoriously fickle weather is of paramount importance. Proper gear is a must!!!
After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley for a BBQ! It’s BYOB and it costs $5 per person. The view of the autumn foliage from our outdoor deck is spectacular!
Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or 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 ASAP to reserve a bunk!
Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot
To reach Jefferson Notch, turn off US 302 at Fabyan and follow the Base Road toward the cog railway's base station. Drive about 5 miles to an intersection. Turn left there onto Jefferson Notch Road [gravel]. Careful driving takes you about 3 miles up to 3,008 feet. Park in the parking areas right or left. We are driving a blue FJ Cruiser.
Trip Leader
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- Last Login: 03/28/2024 09:08 PM
- Member Since: 08/20/2001
- Approved By: Gandalf
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Perseverance and resilience facing the forces of Mother Nature made for a challenging and memorable experience! Kudos to all! A toast to Jon's exceptional feast!
Wow. Words can’t describe the greatness of this experience. Mike is a master leader, directing us and allowing us to be as challenged as safely possible. We witnessed the absolute power and beauty of nature on the mountain. From the top of the mountain we could see hundreds. Of inches. The snow and hail and the winds were lifting the pack off of my back. The deepest hoar frost anchored my feet to the bones of the mountain beneath us.
An excellent adventure - a learning experience for newbies and a reminder to veteran hikers that the weather conditions on a NH presidential summit can be vastly different than in the valley below! Thanks Mike for the great slideshow capturing the hike and thanks Jon for preparing the feast we enjoyed after the hike.
A brilliant and refreshing adventure - great day and great group - cheers!!