| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
M Washington, Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower, Pierce, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Jewell, Crawford connector, Crawford, Monroe Loop, Franklin Loop, Eisenhower Loop, Mitzpah Springs cut-off |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, May 8, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Cog Hikers lot digital iron ranger walks you thru the parking pass, only saw 1x other car there on either the start and finish. Mt Clinton Rd is still closed, so still need a lengthier car-spot or other ride |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable) |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Minor blowdowns, nothing that was challenging to scoot over, under or around |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Thankfully the bug spray and bear spray stayed in the pack pocket the entire time |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
TLDR - Spikes are preferable, barebooting is possible
Details. About ~4500' on Jewell we put on spikes because of pooled ice running down the trail and filling in the level spots/between rocks. With the overnight snowfall and ongoing flurries covering the icy patches so you couldn't see them until you gracefully slipped across those spots, it was just easier to keep 'em on. Same on the way down from Washington summit to the Lake of the Clouds hut, patches of ice here and there made the traction worth-it. Its possible to bare-boot it as a group passed by us on their ascent with just trail runners. Same approach up Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower and over to Pierce. The only real monorail was the last 1/10 of a mile on Crawford Path just below the Pierce intersection after leaving Ike. That was mostly solid, still 5-6' high in most places and starting to collapse here and there. Same small hidden patches of ice and snow all the way to Mitzpah Hut. The hut was open, but no caretaker around at that time so we didn't spent any time inside. That was the last time we took the spikes off for the easy (muddy) trip down the Mitzpah Springs Cut-off and Crawford Path to the Highland Center. So in summary - spring hiking conditions. |
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 | Name: |
kjzjpg19 |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-05-09 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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. |
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