Seek the Peak Guides

[MaureenR]

Hello, I am registered for STP 09 and have little hiking experience, but have been planning this hike. My family is backing out because of the "stories" they've heard about the mountain and I certainly won't try it on my own. Does anyone know if there are guides (whom are paid) to take you at least part way up the mountain? Thanks,

MaureenR

[Steve M]

Maureen,

Don't worry about a guide for STP. There will be so many people hiking to the summit that day all you will need to do is hike along with a group. My wife and kids will be hiking together this year and there are many others around this forum that will be there too so you should have no trouble. Most hikers will be hiking up on the east side taking Tuckerman Ravine Trail or Lions Head trail or both. That would be my suggestion to you is to stay on the East side. The Trailhead for both of these trails begins at the Pinkham Notch visitor Center on Rt. 16. It's before you get to the MW Auto Road if you didn't already know.

If you go to the Kick-off party at Flatbreads Pizza on Rt 16 in North Conway you will meet a bunch of people and can make plans for the next day if you would like.

[Bill O]

I'd focus on getting your family back in gear for STP 2009. Over the next two months you can train and learn everything you need to about climbing Mount Washington safely.

[MaureenR]

Thank you very much for the information. We will be at Flatbread's on Friday and will meet some of the people then. All along I have been considering the Jewell Trail to the Gulfside Trail because I've heard it's an easier climb. Are there trails on the East side that would be good for "beginning" hikers?

[CHRIS]

Hi Maureen, I have done the Ammo/Jewell trail twice last year and I do believe the Jewell trail is on of the easiest. You are above tree line alot longer thou.It is also on the west side over by the Cog r/r station. I am sure there will be plenty more people chimming in here with more experince on the other trails. God luck and don't worry there will definetly be alot of people on the trails that day you could tag along with.

[Bill O]

I agree with Chris. West side routes are going to put you a long way from the after party and the North Conway area. If you can walk up stairs you can handle pretty much every route on the mountain. East side routes are going to have much bigger crowds and people to tag along with.

[Brad]

I'd focus on getting your family back in gear for STP 2009. Over the next two months you can train and learn everything you need to about climbing Mount Washington safely.

__________________
Bill
I ran the Vermont City Marathon in 3:43:42...it was awesome.

Bill, when I saw your signature line I was thinking of me - 3 days, 43 hours, 42 minutes. That would be an excellent time for me.

[mtruman]

Everyone else who responded is definitely right about not needing a guide. There will be more people on the mountain that day than probably any other day this summer - and many who will be glad to provide assistance. The main thing is if you are all beginning hikers you should try to get out and do some easier mountain hikes to "get you hiking legs" and get comfortable with your ability and stamina. There is lots of information here about the kind of gear you should be carrying. Plenty of help to get you all to the top for STP.

[MaureenR]

You have all been helpful. I will definitely leave from Pinkham Notch rather than the Jewell Trail. As for training, we don't have "mountains" in Connecticut, but we've been trying to hike what is available.

I will also pay attention to the packing list too! Thanks so much

Maureen

[Brad]

Speed will vary for different folks. Someone like Bill O can leave PNVC at 7AM, get to the summit and be in a hot tub at the hotel for a couple of hours before going to dinner. 2 years ago we started a bit before 7AM and last year at 6AM - and got to dinner when most folks had done their first pass through the line. Conditioning is key. Check out the local High School football stadium stairs - or even just your basement stairs. There may be other places near you which doing it over and over again will help get you ready.

The beauty of the east side trails is you can go as far as you want - rest - and go back down - and be satisfied with your day and the accomplishments. Charlie last year wanted to get back up to Hermit Lake shelter. The view there of the whole ravine is wonderful. That would have been a great day for him. He surprised himself by getting above treeline on Lion Head (partly because he paced himself very slowly). For several hours he sat on the rocks looking out over Wildcat Mt and the valley. Then he headed down for the hot tub and dinner. It is all about doing what you can, having a good day and supporting MWO.