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Mt. Jefferson
Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the Jefferson Loop
Route: Jewell Trail, Gulfside Trail, Jefferson Loop, (Mt. Jefferson), Jefferson Loop, Gulfside Trail, Jewell Trail
With the winds forecasted to drop throughout the day, I decided to head up to the Presidentials for the afternoon. Since Jefferson was the only main peak I had not visited in the range this month, it was at the top of the to-do list.
Since the summer parking lot for the Jewell Trail was still gated, I parked at the Cog Base Station once again. Much of the first portion of the Jewell Trail was bare, with some patches of snow monorail. I donned my Microspikes for the consistent snow over the last mile of trail below treeline, but never really needed them.
The spikes came off above treeline and wouldn't be needed for the rest of the afternoon/evening. The above treeline portion of the Jewell Trail was mostly bare. Beyond here, I didn't see anyone for the rest of the day.
The Gulfside Trail was mostly bare, with a few patches of snow and ice. In fact, a majority of the terrain above treeline appeared to be snow free.
The views from Mt. Jefferson were quite good - though a bit hazy to the west, the Belknaps were easily seen to the south. While the winds were still a bit gusty, the mild temperatures made them more than tolerable. After having a sandwich in the col between the summit and subpeak of Jefferson, it was time to call it a day. The creaky old knee was getting sore, so it was time to use the patella strap, which had been sitting unused in my pack for the better part of three months.
On the way down, I took some time to remove some blowdowns - it's amazing how many had come down in only a few weeks time since I had last been on the Jewell. Nonetheless, another nice Presidential day.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Jefferson |
|
Length: |
Difficult |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 |
| Hike Commenced: |
12:28 PM |
| Parking Elevation: |
2,700' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Jefferson |
| Ascent Commenced: |
12:30 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
3:22 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
02:52 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
2,710' |
| Summit Elevation: |
5,712' |
| Vertical Gain: |
3,512 |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
6:45 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
06:17 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
4,132' |
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The Jewell Trail trailhead near the Marshfield Base Station
A bird hanging out near the Cog parking lot
Looking at Mt. Washington from Mt. Jefferson
Directions to trailhead: To get to the Cog Base Station in winter, take 302 West from Crawford Notch, then take a right onto Base Station Road. In early spring 2009, there was plowed parking available at the Cog Base Station. Looking up the mountain from the parking lot, the spur trail to the Jewell Trail begins above the base station building, to the left.
Back to Mt. Jefferson Profile
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