White Mountains: Mount Washington

Join us on a classic climb of the tallest mountain in the Northeast! At 6,288 feet, boasting 4,000 feet of elevation gain over 4 miles, and often unpredictable weather above treeline, this thrilling hike will excite and challenge you!

Our adventure will take us up the classic Lion’s Head Route and down the Tuckerman Ravine Trail route, and we’ll experience everything from forest trails to the heart-pounding climb up the boulder-filled summit cone, and the beauty of rare and fragile plants of the above-tree-line Alpine Zone.

If we are lucky enough to summit on a clear day, we’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the White Mountains and be able to see as far as Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Tip: This is a great way to get to know the mountain before attempting a winter summit, which we also do every winter.

Day 1

We’ll depart at 7:00 am, stopping for lunch on the road. After arriving at the Lodge, we’ll go for a short warm-up hike. After a moderate scramble to the top, gorgeous views of Mt. Washington will open up right in front of us, and you can trace the route you’ll be taking to the summit the next day. That evening we’ll enjoy a delicious Lodge dinner and get a good night’s sleep before the summit attempt the following morning.

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll start the summit attempt of Mount Washington. The bouldery terrain will get the blood pumping right away. Be prepared for steep ascents, especially as the day goes on and you enter the Alpine Zone and make your way up the summit cone. Once above treeline, beautiful views of the White Mountains will open up, and you’ll hike among the hardy but fragile Alpine plants. Once at the summit, we’ll stop for lunch at the Mount Washington State Park building. The hike down with its steep descents can be just as challenging as the way up and just as rewarding with the breathtaking view of the valley. Back at the Lodge, we’ll unwind, relax, and have a delicious dinner to celebrate the day’s adventures.

Day 3

You’ll have a chance to do an optional sunrise hike before breakfast! After a good night’s rest, we’ll eat breakfast and relax for the leisurely drive back to New York City, stopping for lunch along the way.

Accommodations: Joe Dodge Lodge, 2 nights, shared bunk rooms with other AU trip participants. Depending on availability, you can request a private room at the Lodge for an additional fee. The Lodge has showers, linens, hot meals, and everything we are going to need for an enjoyable stay!