DATE: Oct 02, 2021 to Oct 02, 2021
52 With A View Sandwich Mountain

Meeting Time: 8:30 AM

Event Coordinator: Gandalf
Waterville Valley, NH
US

Max # People: 10

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

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous

SUMMARY:

The weather forecast continues to deriorate and no matter what we do tomorrow, we will be hiking in the rain. The further south we go, the less time we may be hiking in the rain since it won't be until 1PM...of course it's a forecast so it may well start earlier! 

We are switching the hike to Sandwich Mountain [3.980 feet] in Waterville Valley that will be 7.8 miles roundtrip with 2,700 feet elevation gain. Start time will be 8:30AM. Trailhead is off I-93 Exit 28 where you would take Rte. 49 towards Waterville Valley and shortly before you reach the town/Tripoli Road/Ski Area Road you'll find in on the right. 

Sorry for the short notice but then again there was an abrupt change in the forecast and we have to keep everyone's safety and happiness in mind. High temp on the summit will be around 50. 

FUN peak foliage hike on this 5,000 footer in the Presidential Range followed by a BBQ at the Mad River Lodge! 

A condition of joining us on this hike is that you have some level of experience of hiking above treeline in 2021 that includes rock scrambling and boulder hopping at a moderate pace. Another condition of joining us on this hike is that you agree to follow our GO Standard of Conduct that emphasizes that our hikes are a team effort, you will assist/ provide advice to our newer/inexperienced members and that you will slow down your pace as needed that may involve a delayed start to your ride back home. As a result you agree to stay behind Mike or Jon the entire hike so we can keep the group together and as a group assist our newer members; including the descent. If you think you will strike ahead on the ascent or descent for whatever reason, we recommend taking yourself off this trip and hike alone.  

Mt. Jefferson, [5,716'], the third highest peak in the Whites grants a sweeping view, though a bit less inspiring than that from neighboring Mt. Adams. The summit reveals a wide expanse of the western Whites and an interesting oblique view of the Southern Presidentials.

Round trip distance: 8.7 miles

Vertical feet: 4,200

Approximate time: 8 hours

We will ascend up the long but highly rewarding approach up the Castellated Ridge, with terrific views and some tough scrambling along the Castles, and the usual rock-hop above treeline! At 1.3 miles we’ll reach the Israel Ridge Path where we begin to steadily climb up. At 2.5 miles we reach a level shoulder and climb once more reaching the Link Trail at 3.5 miles. The Castle Trail will then become steep and rough, with several fairly challenging scrambles up ledges and boulders with open views. At 4.5 miles we reach the Cornice Trail and in another half mile reach the summit of Mt. Jefferson. We will return the same way we climbed up. There is 4,200 feet of elevation gain in about 4 miles of steady climbing. Total mileage up and back is 8.7 miles.

The upper cone of the mountain is a jumble of broken rock, devoid of trees and any protection from the elements. We are allowing a full day for this very strenuous climb, which includes difficult boulder-hopping on the upper ridges.

What to wear/bring: Wear clothing suitable for the hike in layers...no cotton or blue jeans. Have a rain jacket in the event of inclement weather, insulating layers, hat, gloves, hand warmers, etc.. Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike in the shoulder season. Contact us if you have any questions.

Afterwards: Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley, who can show us proof of being fully vaccinated, 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, to anyone who can show us proof of being fully vaccinated at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday nights. It's $25 for Friday night, $35 for Saturday that includes dinner or $60 for the weekend. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

The Castle Trail begins at Bowman on US 3, 3 miles west of the Appalachia parking area and 4.2 miles east of the junction of US 2 and NH 115. We are driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.