Winter Traverse of the Southern Presidential

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 6 - Strenuous
Trip Leader(s): Majid Ali, Ian Dunn
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001xPcv
Register By: 2/7/2026
Audience: Adults

Description: Join us for a full winter hike over Mts. Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower, and Pierce. You will move across long stretches above treeline and you will earn wide 360 degree views if the weather cooperates. The route covers about 9.5 miles with about 3,500 feet of gain. Expect a steady moderate pace of 1.25 to 1.5 miles per hour. We plan to finish by 5 PM, so you will hike out with headlamps. Be ready for a demanding 8 to 10 hour day. You will face cold, wind, ice and snow. You may need to break trail. Steep icy sections may require full crampons. You must be an experienced winter hiker with strong fitness. Bring full winter gear, including winter boots, microspikes, snowshoes, crampons, ice axe, wind protection, face protection, rain gear and layered clothing. Use the AMC winter day hike gear list for reference. This hike requires proven experience on strenuous winter 4,000 footers above treeline. This is not a first winter ridge hike. Bring five dollars per person for the parking fee. Winter weather in the Presidentials often forces changes. Our backup options include Monroe, Franklin and Eisenhower. Or Pierce and Eisenhower. Or Jackson and Pierce. Weather, trail conditions or crowding may require changes to the plan, route or meeting point. You may join the revised plan or choose to opt out.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!