If you’re thinking about trying to climb Mt. Washington in the spring, summer or fall, but feeling a bit apprehensive about taking on one of the most difficult peaks in the east, please consider hiring one of our experienced local guides. Photo: Three dimensional map of Mount Washington at the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.
While we specialize in technical climbing, mountaineering and backcountry skiing, many people don’t realize that we are also available to guide people on hikes – like Mt. Washington — that they might not otherwise feel comfortable tackling on their own. Or perhaps you just want a guide to share local knowledge and lore, or to help with route finding or an especially large group, or just to have a partner to share stories on the trail and to take your photo on the summit.
This course is available as a private, pre-existing group, or via our flexible booking option (we’ll try to match you with other hikers).
We normally lead our Mount Washington hikes up the Lion Head trail, which begins at the Pinkham Notch visitor center on the east side of the mountain. This is the easiest route to the summit, but still entails 4.1 miles of extremely rugged terrain, and 4250 feet of vertical relief. The hike to the summit normally takes between three and five hours, and then another two or three to get back down. Please note that it is also possible (weather and time permitting) to get a ride back down the Mount Washington Auto Road if your knees are past their prime.
All of our guides are Wilderness First Responders and have deep local knowledge of Mt. Washington and the surrounding peaks of the White Mountains. Between us we have hundreds, if not thousands, of Mt. Washington ascents to our credit, during every month of the year, and in every kind of weather imaginable.
We are your Mt. Washington experts and would love the opportunity to share our love for the Northeast’s most iconic peak with you.
Prerequisites
No prior experience is required, but the ascent is 4.1 miles and 4250 vertical feet, so participants should be physically fit and ready to trudge uphill with a small pack for four or five hours. If you are interested, we can help you with a training program to get prepared for the ascent
Time
6-8 hours, approximately three to five hours up, and two or three hours down
Equipment & Clothing (the exact kit will depend on the weather, but here’s a sample list):
When & Where
Your day will start at the SMG office in Intervale NH at 7am. We can quickly get everything sorted out and then hit the trail.
