Unusual Mt. Lafayette Loop hike in Jan

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 6 - Strenuous
Trip Leader(s): Emma Shin, John Willis
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN0000023uCc
Audience: Adults

Description: Join Emma and John for a winter day hike to Mt. Lafayette via unusual trails. Weather depending, we hope to experience phenomenal 360 degree views from the Franconia Ridge. We will deviate somewhat from the popular winter route to permit for some winter trail-tracing. Expect an approximately 11-mile like at a moderate pace with approximately 4,000 ft elevation gain. Most trails are less commonly hiked during winter, making trail breaking likely. Participants should have considerable experience hiking strenuous 4,000 footers in the winter. In addition, participants should have some experience hiking on the more exposed 4,000 footers in winter as well as experience breaking trails. we will hike above tree line over 2 miles, thus we will be fully exposed to the weather. In addition, the incorporation of lesser-hiked trails will increase the strenuousness of this hike. Depending on weather, be prepared for a strenuous 8-10 hour hike and potential winter conditions with cold, wind, ice, snow, and a strong possibility of breaking trail. Please be an experienced winter hiker in good physical condition, with full winter gear including winter hiking boots ( 4oo gram), microspikes, mountaineering snowshoes, crampons, wind protection, full face balaclava, ski goggles, rain gear, and multiple clothing layers. To address unforeseen challenges such as adverse weather, unacceptable trail conditions, 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.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!