How Much Water to Bring on Mt. Washington Hike?

[ChileMass]

OK - I am going for it. Either this weekend or next, I will be making my first assault on Big George via the Tux Ravine trail. Slow and steady will do it.

Q: How much water should I plan on bringing? I know - it depends on how warm it is that day and how long I estimate it will take me to get to the top. I plan on being somewhat longer than the White Mountain Guide estimate (approx 4.5 hrs) - so if it's a 5 hour, one-way trip, how much water should I plan on for each adult? Let's also assume it's 75*F at Pinkham's and 52*F on top. I'm also assuming I can refill on top - please let me know if that is not possible.

Thanks -

[thetrailboss]

For the longer hikes, I usually bring three big Nalgenes of fluid....one of them being Gatoraid. This can last me for the day. How many miles are you doing, Chile? Have you considered Ammo Trail up to Lakes of the Clouds and then to the summit?

[cbcbd]

8 mile roundtrip...


I'd say 2 liters for each way. You'll need it most on the way up.

That's a classic hike that everyone should do at least once. Have a good time

[ChileMass]

Originally Posted by thetrailboss

For the longer hikes, I usually bring three big Nalgenes of fluid....one of them being Gatoraid. This can last me for the day. How many miles are you doing, Chile? Have you considered Ammo Trail up to Lakes of the Clouds and then to the summit?

Personally, I'd rather do the Ammo or Jewell Trails from the west, but the rest of my group wants to do Tux and I'm sure it will be great.

Also doing a "family hike" on another day, starting from the Caps Ridge parking area up to the Cornice and over the Gulfside to the Mt. Clay cliffs, so I'll get to hang out on the west side then.

Thanks for the input. I'll have pics after. I'll be the one dragging on the way down.....

[ChileMass]

Originally Posted by cbcbd

8 mile roundtrip...


I'd say 2 liters for each way. You'll need it most on the way up.

That's a classic hike that everyone should do at least once. Have a good time

Can I refill my water bottles at the top of Washington? If so, where?

Thanks - appreciate the input -

[thetrailboss]

Originally Posted by ChileMass

Can I refill my water bottles at the top of Washington? If so, where?

Thanks - appreciate the input -

LAST TIME I was up there was in June 2000 and they had a full cafeteria, junk shop, etc. PLENTY of water fountains. Worst case cut over to Lakes of the Clouds (?) and fill up at AMC Lodge. REMEMBER that the summit building is CLOSED to visitors after, say, Columbus Day...

[ChileMass]

Originally Posted by thetrailboss

LAST TIME I was up there was in June 2000 and they had a full cafeteria, junk shop, etc. PLENTY of water fountains. Worst case cut over to Lakes of the Clouds (?) and fill up at AMC Lodge. REMEMBER that the summit building is CLOSED to visitors after, say, Columbus Day...

Thanks TB - !

[thetrailboss]

Originally Posted by ChileMass

Thanks TB - !

And if you are traveling with folks who like souveniers/junk, be sure to "leave" your wallet in the hotel room

I will confess that I DO have a hat pin that is a reproduction of the benchmark on the summit.

[zook]

I was there last year in July. As thetrailboss said: on top they have full cafeteria, waterfountain, restrooms, souvenirs shop, etc. I got my "I made it to the top" mug - it means a lot the first time

We did the Lion's Head trail - great views. One day I'd like to do Tuckerman as well. Enjoy!

[cbcbd]

Originally Posted by ChileMass

Personally, I'd rather do the Ammo or Jewell Trails from the west, but the rest of my group wants to do Tux and I'm sure it will be great.

If you don't want to stray too much from the area you can always go Tux on the way up and Lion's Head on the way down. The miles are about the same and going on Lion's Head you'll get a nice view of the Tux headwall.