20's and 30's Washington and Monroe

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 6 - Strenuous
Trip Leader(s): Meredith Kraner, Ian Baker, Chao Xie
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001OsLF
Register By: 8/15/2025
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join Meredith and Ian for a day hike to the highest peak in the northeast, Mt. Washington (6,288’) with a brief side trip to Mt. Monroe (5,369’, #4 on the NH four thousand footers list). We will hike Mts. Monroe and Washington as a loop, ascending via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail and descending the Jewell Trail. Weather-permitting, participants can expect gorgeous views throughout the hike as our route will keep us above tree line for multiple hours!
Our route is just under 10 miles in length with approximately 4,250’ of elevation gain. While most of our route features moderate grades, prospective participants should be aware of two challenges. First, the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail does contain one fairly steep section below Lakes of the Clouds Hut; this section also features some ledges that are lightly to moderately steep and sometimes wet. Second, the hike features many miles above tree line in an area of the White Mountains where temperatures have never–ever–risen above the low 70s. A “typical” August day on Mt. Washington features a high temperature of just 54 degrees; with winds, temperatures are typically in the low to mid 40s, and proper gear and experience above tree line are necessary.
This will be an all day effort and we will strive to stick to moderate pace (1.5 - 2 mph). There will be an early start and if all goes well we hope to be off of the trail by 6pm.
Participants must have completed at least 1 other hike in the White Mountains in the 3 months preceding the hike and must maintain an active, vigorous cardio fitness program. This must not be your first hike in the Whites this summer (or ever).
To address unforeseen challenges such as adverse weather, unacceptable trail conditions or excessive crowding, the planned trip destination, activity and/or meeting place and time may be modified. In that event, participants may elect to join in that activity or opt out. We will hold Sunday, August 17 as a backup date for this hike if weather conditions prohibit us from hiking on August 16.
Gear Bring all gear necessary for late summer hiking in New Hampshire. Keep in mind that while it’s the middle of August and sunny and warm in Boston, weather on the Northern Presidentials is always far windier and far colder.
Keep in mind that conditions in the White Mountains can change rapidly - bring insulating layers, rain layers, and sun protection as appropriate.
Important items (required) Hiking boots or trail runners with traction sole. Water bottles/containers, hydration bladder At least 2 liters of water (3 liters is recommended) Multiple layers of non-cotton clothing A puffer or insulated jacket. A change of dry clothes (if needed on the trail or for after the hike) Hat Gloves Rain gear (mandatory rain jacket) Lunch and high energy snacks Flashlight / headlamp with extra batteries Personal medications: For example, an inhaler (asthma), Epi-pen (allergies), ibuprofen, etc. Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, etc) Backpack big enough to hold all of your items Recommended: Camera Trekking poles Bandana Map and compass Personal first aid kit Whistle Carpool We encourage carpooling to help save the environment and parking space and to provide opportunities to make new friends! We will send out a google sheet to help coordinate carpool for which we will pre-populate using the questions at registration. As a common courtesy, please reach out to participants offering rides as far in advance of the trip as possible. This is so participants looking for rides have enough time to arrange logistics with those offering to drive. We suggest that carpoolers meet at a central location (i.e. a train station) to minimize driving if many people have to be picked up.
Map You can find the official map via the AMC online store . There are also many unofficial maps on various websites.
Weather We will be monitoring the weather as the day of the hike approaches. If the weather dictates a cancellation or postponement, we will send an email by 4pm the day before. The Mount Washington Observatory is the primary go to resource for monitoring the conditions above treeline in the Presidentials.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!