Trip report

Glen Boulder Trail (to the Boulder)

Full Day Hike DATE: 05/01/2021 - 05/01/2021

Trip/Event Location: Pinkhams Grant (just north of Jackson), NH

Trip Leader(s): nhclimber03264

Max # People: 12

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

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Glen Boulder Hike (to the boulder): elevation (highest point) 3729ft, distance to highest point 2.6 miles, total trip distance 5.2 miles.

This early season trip is considered MODERATE. Although a

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Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

Group will meet at 10am and depart by 10:20.

Trip leader will be at the Direttissima Trail head parking area by 8am and intends to explore small trails and waterfalls all with in a short distance of the parking area.

Where to meet:  The group will meet at the Direttissima Trail head parking area. This is about 100yards south of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center’s main entrance on route 16. There is a connecting trail between the lots if people prefer parking at the visitor area.

Tis the Season! Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine may be at its prime by this date. If that is the case early arrival is ideal. Parking is a NIGHTMARE. Overflow parking is at the Wildcat Ski Area about .5 mile north of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. We can shuttle people if that is needed.

Pinkham Notch Center has restrooms, food ($$), and supplies ($$) available to hikers. I do not know the status of the facility regarding COVID at this time.

Because of trip preparation trip leader is unable to provide a ride for this trip.

Cell service should be available. GPS will get you your quickest route to the visitor center. Any questions please contact.


Trip Report/Photos

THIS TRIP WAS A BREEZE!

Glen Boulder proved to be an exciting adventure, exposing many of the seasonal elements. Arriving early in the morning the weather did not look ideal. The ride up through Franconia and Crawford notches had remains of the snow the night prior. Approaching Pinkham Notch the ceiling remained low with spots of blue skies showing to the east. The early morning temps were chilling, and the wind did not help. Starting at 10am however the weather had settled some, sun was out, and the ceiling was above 3500 feet providing a view to our destination along the ridge. Leaving the Pinkham Notch Base Camp (aka visitor center) we ventured out across the Diretissima. This traverse provided excellent views of the notch to the south and up-close views of waterfalls that were full from the spring melt. We began our ascent of the Glen Boulder Trail again passing several beautiful waterfalls, light remains of the evening snow and several ill prepared hikers headed down. We had warmed up quite well but as we approached tree line the wind had increased, and temps were dropping. Breaking tree line we found it very difficult to stay up right, crouching along so we did not get blown off the trail. Mount Washington Observatory reported wind speeds at the summit peaking close to 90 mph. Everyone had video of the wind around the boulder, including an attempt to fly our flag. Great to see a rainbow on a beautiful sunny day. The views were spectacular. The notch north and south was clear. Visibility allowed views of North Conway south, east to Maine and north to Berlin and Milan. The summits of Wildcat, the Carters and Moriah cleared as well. Gulf of Slides, part of Boott Spur and Huntington Ravine were clear and crisp with new snowfall. The trip down was pleasant once we were out of the wind. We decided as a group to venture off course and visit the Glen Ellis Falls. Taking in the amazing force of the 65-foot waterfall. The pool below was temping for a quick dip, but we decided not to show off for the tourists. We returned to Pinkham Base Camp and enjoyed the sun and warmth. This hike was amazing, all the participants were great company, we were all blown away! Everyone brough great fun and laughter.

Lessons learned: Remember to hydrate and it is always good to have a good warm up/cool down stretch to get the body working.

  There are 6 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

  • What a great way to spend the first day of May. The snow caped mountains were beautiful and I literally was blown off by the strong wind 4-5 times but even that was refreshing and fun experience. And also the water fall was spectacular which most of us didn't know about it. Thank you John for leading great hike and thanks everyone for wonderful company. - liketodo
  • Thanks for the trip report! Happy to hear you guys had a fantastic time. Glen Ellis Falls after all the rain must have been amazing!!! Any pictures? - Gandalf

Members That Participated

nhclimber03264

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Plymouth, NH


United States
sustaining member
rolshausenii

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Cambridge, MA


United States
jmahoney

Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous


Boston, MA


United States
PRclimber

Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous


Ciudad de Mexico, OT


Mexico
liketodo

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Boston, MA


United States
liketodo May 3, 2021 at 8:32 PM

Comment: What a great way to spend the first day of May. The snow caped mountains were beautiful and I literally was blown off by the strong wind 4-5 times but even that was refreshing and fun experience. And also the water fall was spectacular which most of us didn't know about it. Thank you John for leading great hike and thanks everyone for wonderful company.

Gandalf May 2, 2021 at 6:58 PM

Comment: Thanks for the trip report! Happy to hear you guys had a fantastic time. Glen Ellis Falls after all the rain must have been amazing!!! Any pictures?

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