Trip report

Mt. Moosilauke

Hiking/Walk DATE: 12/15/2018 - 12/15/2018

Trip/Event Location: Glencliff, NH
US

Trip Leader(s): Robert.L

Max # People: 8

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

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous

Winter has arrived early in the White Mountains and there is no better time to get a jump start on breaking in your snow shoes!  The holiday party circuit is well underway so why not burn some

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Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

Directions:  Depending on where you are coming from you can access the trail head from Routes 91 or 93.  Directions from 93:  Route 93 North/South to Plymouth (exit 26).  Follow Route 25 west through Rumney into Wentworth.  In Wentworth, route 25 is also route 118.  Follow 25/118 through Warren and continue straight on 25 when 118 splits to the right.  In Glencliff turn right onto High Street (formerly Sanitorium Road).  The trail head is 1.2 miles from the turn onto High Street.  I will be driving a dark gray Honda CRV.


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

What an awesome day!  What beats climbing to 4,803 feet to face 40 to 45 mile per hour winds and white out conditions – hmmm – maybe a nor’easter but that is wishful thinking as we haven’t yet reached the official start to winter!  Yet, there we were getting blasted with full on winter conditions.

Mt. Moosilauke never disappoints nor did the hearty group of adventurers that came together this fine day to summit.  A massive shout out to Dpbyrns, Gandalph, JDNnh and a new adventurous soul, Summitjunkie.

I arrived at the trail head right at 9am – a bit lagging – and since I’d car pooled with dpbyrns, he was lagging too!  We waisted no time in suiting up, sporting our micro-spikes and hitting the trail in high gear.  It is 3.9 miles from trail head to summit and the skies were mixed, blue to the south and gray to the west and north.  A blue bird day was not in the forecast but we would be treated to a brilliant surprise on South Peak.

I, in my lagging rush to skip out the door, forgot my camera.  I had my cell phone, but it doesn’t like cold weather.  I managed to tuck the phone inside my core which enabled me to score a few photos, but not many.

We passed many a trekker on the way up.  By 12:30pmish we were at the trail junction of the Carriage Road with Glencliff.  After a short break and layering up we headed to the summit.  It got a little tricky towards the end – we meandered from cairn to cairn under strong winds and moderate white out conditions.  We soon reached the summit sign where I snapped a photo of this amazing group of men!  After taking in the elements we headed back down to the trail junction where we had lunch.  It was amazingly warm after that experience, lol.

We briefly detoured up to South Peak where we bore witness to the clearing of the clouds.  With amazing speed – the clouds broke up and gave us periodic views of the summit only to cloud over again.  To one side was an undercast, to the other – the drama of blowing winds and cloudy conditions – it was amazing.

In a stunning and athletic display of true hiker energy we skittled off the mounting with some enjoying a good butt slide while others just trekking through.  I myself could not believe it but by 2:15pm we were back at the trail head.  We had climbed and descended Mt. Moosilauke  – over 7.8 miles in five hours – that was fast!!  A round of well wishing Merry Christmas and off we went.  I was home by 5:30pm which is a record for a jaunt, a summit, and a return trip from the White Mountains.

Rock on gentlemen – thanks for making this day one fine display of high energy hearty hiking!  Loved it!!

  There are 3 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)

What Members Are Saying About This Trip/Event

  • Thanks to Rob for posting the trip and leading - Mt Moosilauke never disappoints - an exhilarating day spent on the mountain in full blown winter conditions - can't wait for the next adventure! - JDNnh
  • Great report! A reminder to routinely pack my neck gaiter and goggles as colder temperatures approach. Great company. Happy Holidays and see you all in upcoming winter adventures. - Gandalf

Members That Participated

Robert.L

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Bowdoin, ME


United States
dpbyrnes

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Ipswich, MA


United States
Gandalf

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
JDNnh

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
Long.S

Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous


Medford, MA


United States
JDNnh Dec 17, 2018 at 5:23 PM

Comment: Thanks to Rob for posting the trip and leading - Mt Moosilauke never disappoints - an exhilarating day spent on the mountain in full blown winter conditions - can't wait for the next adventure!

Gandalf Dec 16, 2018 at 4:51 PM

Comment: Great report! A reminder to routinely pack my neck gaiter and goggles as colder temperatures approach. Great company. Happy Holidays and see you all in upcoming winter adventures.

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