Meeting Time: 9:00 AM

Max # People: 8

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

This winter Carter Dome is reputed to have significant snow pack – so much snow pack that we score views from the dome which is quite remarkable.  With a little luck – the temps will remain cool, a few additional snow falls will occur – and we’ll experience what others have this winter.

We will meet at the 19 Mile Brook trail head for 9:00am.  We’ll hike up to 19 Mile Brook trail (1.9 miles) and go up the Carter Dome Trail (1.9 miles).  Once on the Carter Moriah trail we’ll bang a hard right via Zeta Pass to tag Carter Dome (4,832’) and scoot backward to Mt. Hight (4,675’), then skittle down back to the ridge and carry on across the Carter Moriah trail to tag South Carter (4,430’) and Middle Carter (4,610’).  We’ll then carry down the Imp Trail where towards the base we can do (a) a modest bushwhack to get back to the trail head for 19 Mile Brook Trail or (b) emerge at the Imp Trail and do a short road walk back to the trail head.  Total mileage for this day will be approximately 14 miles.  The hardest part of the day will be the initial ascent – once on the ridge – it’s a stunning stretch of views and typical ups and downs of walking a ridge line.  This is always a great hike – it will not disappoint.

What is needed:  FULL WINTER REGALIA – it might be meteorological spring but conditions will be very much winter.  Dress in layers – no cotton.  Snow shoes, micro spikes or crampons are required.  Given the snow pack and the varying possibility for warmer than colder temps, snow shoes will offer greater stability in soft snow conditions.  We won’t know until the day of.  I’ve hiked some very warm march days and some very cold March days – be prepared for both.  We may sport both snow shoes and spikes at varying points during the day.  Two liters of water, snacks, lunch and anything you need for your comfort is essential.  Everything you bring should fit into your day pack.