| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bondcliff, Mt. Bond, South Twin Mountain, Mt. Garfield, Mt. Lafayette, Mt. Truman, Mt. Lincoln, Little Haystack Mountain, Mt. Liberty, Mt. Flume, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Lincoln Woods Trail, Bondcliff Trail, Twinway, Garfield Ridge Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Osseo Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 7, 2022 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lot empty upon arrival (Friday morning) and mildly crowded upon return (Saturday) |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Wet/Slippery Rock, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Bondcliff Trail has 1-2 water crossings that were rock hop-able but tricky
No other significant crossings. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several trails had significant blowdown with tracked out detours. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Lots of dogs spotted on the ridge trails. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None! |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
PEMI LOOP - Completed May 7, 2022. We did this hike in 2 days 1 night and it was EPIC.
LOGISTICS: We did this loop counterclockwise and thought that was a good decision. This gets the rail trail mostly out of the way early and doubles as a good warmup with a gradual ascent up to the Bonds. We stayed at the Garfield Shelter which had a latrine, water access, and bear boxes.
CONDITIONS: The start and end of this loop have no snow but as soon as you ascend everything that isn't a rocky alpine zone is still covered in snow. Morning snowpack was cold and less prone to post-holing. Things got awfully slushy in the afternoons though. I'd recommend spikes and potentially snowshoes. Wind was minimal on the summits/ridges when we did this loop. Twinway Trail had the worst post-holes.
HIGHLIGHTS: The Garfield Shelter is approx. 1/2 mile from the summit of Garfield so we woke up early to catch a truly amazing sunrise. The huts are also open now so be sure to stop in to Galehead and get a hot drink and say hi!
CHALLENGES: This is a tough hike but very rewarding! Note that there is limited water access (streams) after Garfield summit so prepare for that! Greenleaf Hut is an option but it's definitely a detour. Also, bring several extra dry socks and plastic bags! The slushy snow melted and totally soaked through our waterproof boots!
CONCLUSION: Overall this was very beautiful and an epic hike! Highly recommend! |
|
 | Name: |
Max |
|
 | E-Mail: |
hellermaxj@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2022-05-08 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|
