Mount Hale via the Fire Warden's Trail

A very cold weekend was in the forecast so I was looking at hiking something below treeline that offered some protection against any wind that might be blowing. The decision was made between fellow hiker Larry and I to hike Mount Hale (4,054') via the Fire Warden's Trail. I've been wanting to hike this route, Larry has done this trail before. The usual route that I take is the Hale Brook Trail but in the winter Zealand Road is closed and that adds a two mile road walk. This would be about the same mileage but no road walk.

New Year's Day Hike on Cannon Mountain

The first day of the New Year and there was a hike planned for Cannon Mountain. I would be joining fellow hikers Jill, Larry, Amy and Jim. Our plan was a loop hike using the Lonesome Lake, Hi-Cannon and Kinsman Ridge Trails. There was a light dusting of snow last night after a recent heavy snowfall. We would make our decision of which way to go based on trail conditions. The weather forecast called for cold temps, breezy and partly cloudy skies.

Winter Solstice Hike to Cannon Mountain

Winter arrived at 5:44 this morning. I wanted to do my first official winter hike today although it has felt like winter hiking for the past month. I decided on Cannon Mountain (4,100') but was having a dilemma as to which trail to use, Kinsman Ridge Trail or Hi-Cannon. After recent snow followed by a day of rain then a hard freeze the trail conditions were uncertain as I was not able to find any current trail reports for these two trails.

Hiking to Hermit Lake in a Snowstorm

With a snowstorm in the forecast for today and heavy rain on the way for tomorrow I decided to hike in the snow. I wanted a trail that I knew would be broken out so I chose the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. It's not a long drive for me and it's a popular trail. I just wanted to get out in the freshly, falling snow. My first intent was to hike up into the floor of Tuckerman Ravine but with a late start and avalanche warnings I would have to be satisfied with hiking to Hermit Lake.

Hiking To a Frigid Mount Pierce

Frigid weather was in the forecast for this weekend with cold temps and blowing wind that would create subzero wind chills on the summits. I chose Mount Pierce (4,310') for its short minimal exposure above tree line. I would like to have added Mount Eisenhower but I knew that weather and trail conditions would be extremely hazardous, this would be confirmed by a hiker that I met along the way. So this would be a quick trip up the Crawford Path and back down the same way.