Summit: Mount Moosilauke (4,802')
Trail route: Ravine Lodge Road, Gorge Brook Trail, Carriage Road, Snapper Trail
Trail conditions: Ravine Lodge Road is plowed but gate is closed, hard packed trail and loose packed trail, wind blown above treeline with some rock exposure at summit
Weather: Cold with some wind below treeline to a steady wind at the summit, clear blue cloudless sky with lots of sunshine
Total miles: 10.5
Total time: 6:44
Saturday was the pick of the weekend for best weather day. I would be joining a large group of friends for Amy's Winter 48 finish. This group included Amy L (W48 finisher), Amy D, Jill, Robin, Kally, Guy, Larry, Jim, Marty, Scott and Lisa. It's always an exciting day when someone is completing a hiking list.
It was the day before daylight savings time and I could start to see daylight around 5:30 AM. It's always nice to have the sky brighten up on the drive to the trailhead. The drive got interesting when I turned onto Route 118. The frost heaves were incredible and it was a very slow drive. I thought the road was bad until I saw a sign indicating frost heaves, then it got really bad!
I was glad to arrive at the Ravine Lodge Road and get off that frost heaved road. The gate was closed and I parked alongside the road just below the gate and behind Marty who was the first one there. All the others soon started arriving and we were ready to start our hike at 8:00 AM.
The Ravine Lodge Road was plowed all the way to the Lodge and we bare booted to the trailhead. Along the way we passed by a large loader that explained how they kept the road plowed. We all put on light traction at the trailhead and started up the trail. It was smooth going and the trail was well packed. The first views were incredible with the clear blue sky and not a cloud anywhere.
As we got closer to the summit the wind picked up and we added some layers before the final ascent to the summit. Amy L was the first one on the summit and we all followed. There was a cold wind blowing but we took time to enjoy the views and get plenty of photos. It was too cold for Amy's summit celebration so we started our descent down the Carriage Road. Once we were out of the wind it was time for a short break for lunch. Some changed into snowshoes at this point.
Continuing down the Carriage Road we met a lot of skiers coming up as well as skiing down. This trail is out of the wind and the sun was beating down on us, it was getting warm and the trail was softening. When we reached the Snapper Trail I put on my snowshoes. It was a nice hike back over to the Gorge Brook Trail. Almost back to the trailhead we met fellow hiker Adam on his way up Moosilauke to finish his single season Winter 48. He had hiked Mount Moriah before coming here.
We got back to the Ravine Lodge Road and removed our snowshoes for the walk out to the end of the road. After a final 1.6 miles we arrived back to our cars. As we got closer to the gate I thought there was a familiar looking truck by the gate. It was Jason and Leah about to add another summit to their second single season Winter 48. They are incredible hikers!
It was a spectacular day for this hike. I was glad to be a part of this extraordinary group of fun hikers for this special day. Amy L had now officially completed her Winter 48. Congratulations Amy!
Enjoy the photos and video!
A scenic view on the frost heaved Route 118
Mount Moosilauke kiosk
Everyone arriving at Ravine Lodge Road
Gathering at the gate
Starting the road walk to the trailhead
The trail starts here
First water crossing
Heading up Gorge Brook down Carriage Road and across Snapper
Another water crossing with a bridge
The loop starts here
Another bridged water crossing
Last sure water and it would've been tough getting to it
First view from the trail
Franconia Ridge
Mount Washington in the distance
Mount Lafayette and Mount Lincoln
Moving closer to the summit
A look back down the trail
The Ravine Lodge is far below
Zooming into the Ravine Lodge
Getting closer to the summit
Moving through the last trees below the summit
The summit is up ahead
Leaving treeline behind
A sign that is probably needed in severe weather
Jim and Kally below the summit
A view toward South Peak
Amy on her Winter 48
South Peak in the distance from the summit of Mount Moosilauke
Cairns mark the way to South Peak
Summit view
Getting ready to continue on to South Peak
Franconia Ridge with the Presidentials in the distance
Summit sign
Heading to South Peak
Wind sculpted snow
A look back at Mount Moosilauke
Stopping for a lunch break on the Carriage Road
Turning onto the Snapper Trail
Bridge over a small water crossing
The loop is complete at the trail junction
Descending the Gorge Brook Trail
A bridged water crossing on the way out
Amy is happy to have completed her Winter 48 today
We meet Adam who is about to finish his single season winter 48
The new Ravine Lodge
The road walk out
The end of the hike is in sight
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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