Good beginner one night backpack near Conway/ Glen/ Bartlett?

[Evan14]

Hi,

I'm an experienced backpacker, but my wife is not and we are looking for a one way overnight (car shuttle) trip in the Whites near N. Conway.

We're looking to hike maybe 8-10 miles per day, and camp at a backcountry site that's beautiful / near some peaks or overlooks.

Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[sapblatt]

Davis Path to Stairs Mountain comes to mind - you could exit via Rocky Branch or Glen Boulder...actually, come to think of it, I would reverse this - go up Rocky Branch from route 16 and head over towards Isolation and then down the Davis Path - I think this would be well over 10 miles on the first day, and shorter than 10 on the last day...the most uphill of the terrain would be done in the first few miles of the first day. Have not been there, but I hear there are some great spots near Stairs Mountain...also have seen some spots further down the Davis Path and there are some spots along the Isolation Trail between the Rocky Branch and Davis Path.

Have fun!

 

[SherpaKroto]

First of, IMHO, an in/out backpack with many campsite options along the way might be a better choice. If your wife is not that experienced, 8-10 miles may seem like a marathon. Any spot in the Great Gulf would fit that bill. By heading into the Gulf, you can pick your spots, do a little exploring, and ease her into it.

If you are dead set on a traverse type hike, Ethan Pond through Zealand Notch is a beautiful hike.

Sapblatt's idea is also a good one, but the Davis Path norht of Staris Mtn can often rough/overgrown, and has little water on that stretch. A slightly different thought in that same general area would be to head in on the Rocky Branch trail at Jericho Road and camp on Stairs Mtn summit (there are nice winderness sites near the summit). Return over Mt Crawford. You'll get the views that you are looking for.

 

[SAR-EMT40]

Hi,

I'm an experienced backpacker, but my wife is not and we are looking for a one way overnight (car shuttle) trip in the Whites near N. Conway.

We're looking to hike maybe 8-10 miles per day, and camp at a backcountry site that's beautiful / near some peaks or overlooks.

Any suggestions?
Thanks!

How much elevation gain will she tolerate?

Keith

 

[sapblatt]

First of, IMHO, an in/out backpack with many campsite options along the way might be a better choice. If your wife is not that experienced, 8-10 miles may seem like a marathon. Any spot in the Great Gulf would fit that bill. By heading into the Gulf, you can pick your spots, do a little exploring, and ease her into it.

Great point SK - 8-10 miles dayhiking is one thing - 8-10 miles with a 35-45 pound overnight pack on a backpacking trip is another...

 

[Gris]

Another option would be to go in at Zealand Road and then out on the AT in the notch. Other than the climb up to Zeacliff (well worth the effort) and back, there would be virtually NO elevation gain. And you would get to hike along the river and could camp at either Zeacliff Pond or Thoreau Falls.

 

[Evan14]

Thanks for the info

Thanks you everyone who responded. After more thought, I'm thinking of an out and back trip now -- a half day hike with the packs to the campsite, then some time climbing a peak or two for the rest of the time.

I figure this would minimize the climbing with the heavy packs.

Any suggestions?

-Evan

PS I just bought the book!

 

[--M.]

Hermit Lake, of course.

The obvious first hike is the most popular: Mount Washington. It's an easy overnighter to pack in to Hermit Lake and then dial in whatever level of excitement she wants after that. It was one my first BPs as a kid and I'd still recommend it to any able-bodied person. Just don't go on a Friday or Saturday.

 

[Breeze]

not on a day like today!

The obvious first hike is the most popular: Mount Washington. It's an easy overnighter to pack in to Hermit Lake and then dial in whatever level of excitement she wants after that. It was one my first BPs as a kid and I'd still recommend it to any able-bodied person. Just don't go on a Friday or Saturday.

--M., you weren't up there today, July 1. Started snowing about 10:30 AM, above treeline, with limited visibility and high winds, anything above tree level was Advanced/Expert Only after 10 AM.

Breeze

 

[SherpaKroto]

Thanks you everyone who responded. After more thought, I'm thinking of an out and back trip now -- a half day hike with the packs to the campsite, then some time climbing a peak or two for the rest of the time.

I figure this would minimize the climbing with the heavy packs.

Any suggestions?

-Evan

PS I just bought the book!

Imp Shelter. Climb Mt Moriah.
Osgood Tentsites. Climb as far as you wish to either Madison Summit, or Madison Hut
Rocky Branch #2. Climb Isolation

Any of these three would be ideal.

 

[giggy]

I second the great gulf! you can hike in/around there with not heading up the headwalls, ridges. Its gorgeous in there and there are many sites on the trails.

 

[--M.]

--M., you weren't up there today, July 1. Started snowing about 10:30 AM, above treeline, with limited visibility and high winds, anything above tree level was Advanced/Expert Only after 10 AM.

Breeze

Sure (and it sounds wild!), but on my first Washington hike, it was similar weather, and it was one of the most memorable. I'd be comfortable up to Hermit Lake, even as a novice, in any but true winter extreme weather (whether in January or July). The key word in your sentence is "treeline." There's lots to do for a newbie, with views and impressive weather, all below the rim of the bowl (or even just around Hojo's).

Imp and Great Gulf are super, too, and my Daddy brought my brother and me to our first "camping" experience with a little overnight in the Sawyer River in towards Carrigain. Camp far enough off trail and that's a good choice, too.

All of which proves that it could be hard to go wrong with the parameters Evan14 set. Hoping to see a trip report!

 

[KayakDan]

Osgood Tentsites. Climb as far as you wish to either Madison Summit, or Madison Hut
Rocky Branch #2. Climb Isolation

Any of these three would be ideal.

SK beat me to it. Osgood is a great trip. Tent platforms,outhouse,water,and a choice of hikes. Over to the Bluff is easy,and has some great views-it's a great lunch stop.