Advanced Hike: The Baldfaces
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Group: Random Group of Hikers
When: Saturday, February 24, 9 am-9 pm
Where: Baldface Circle Trail, North Chatham, NH
Cost: Free (registration required)
Details: We’re going to hike The Baldfaces (3,570 & 3,610ft), two dramatic rocky peaks on the east side of the White Mountains. Views from these peaks are among the finest in the White Mountains. This very challenging winter hike involves nearly 4 miles of above treeline travel and will require the use of crampons with front points (along with mountaineering snowshoes and microspikes). If you sign up for this event, you agree to bring the proper gear to the trailhead with you, NO EXCEPTIONS. 52WAV
DIFFICULTY: ADVANCED. DISTANCE: about 10 miles. PACE: Moderate, 2.0mph on average; we will stop for breaks, views, and to smell the roses. ELEVATION GAIN: 3,700ft. HIKING TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking– we may not finish the hike until after sunset–bring TWO headlamps with spare LITHIUM batteries for the cold. • Put your name on the waitlist if you would like to go. I will add people that respond thoroughly to the RSVP question(s) AND have done similar hikes within the past three months.
• No Guests–have your guests sign up and RSVP, please.
• No dogs–(due to steep, icy ledges).
• This trip limited to 10 participants to responsibly reduce impacts to habitat, trails, and the experience of other hikers
• What the group will expect of you: Humanity humility and cooperation. This is a social experience. We hike together/stick together as a group at the pace of the slowest member. Positive/cooperative attitudes are welcome.
• Medical issues/ disclosures: YOU are responsible to disclose to the event organizer any medical issues, allergies, medications or other issues that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event or affect any 1st aid treatment in the event of an emergency. You must convey this information to the event organizer in advance AND keep a written summary of it located within an easily accessible part of your backpack. You must also include an emergency contact and phone number as part of this information.
• Rain or shine event. Difficult weather may cancel and/or modify the event. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather until forecasts solidify 24 hours before the event–mountain weather predictions can change rapidly. I will post FYI updates on weather in the days preceding the event, derived from multiple forecast sources.
