Did this on July 4 2020. My first 4K+ mountain ever. If I had known how challenging it was I never would have gone. So glad I did and have been hiking ever since.
Its always important to check the mount washington observatory for the conditions at the summit even for you chute little summer hikers. In the winter its mandatory...
Headwall in Huntington ravine trail is one way at the headwall once started thereis no turning around to go back down keep that in mind check description in guide book AMC happy trails
Try it in the winter, lot less people but more restrictions. Have done this same hike several times in the winter. My Washington did hold for the most snow in the 48 states till Rainer won that title
Super cool you made it out east. The white mountains have their spots. It's where I do 99% of my adventures. The smaller mountains offer a lot of seclusion and some really nice views, just gotta know where to go
Thanks for taking me back to Huntington Ravine...I did it alone in May 1995, I saw people with technical climbing gear---"Should I even be here?"...it was quite an adventure. There was a big ass rock the size of a small house...I remember saying..."How am I gonna get over that?"....scrambling over to the right of the last steep part of the rock field...over the top...Wow...I made it...Now I can take a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey...It started drizzling on the Alpine Garden...a couple of guys I met said they were going DOWN Huntington Ravine...I told them "Don't do it"...I guess they made it.
@@TheVirtualSherpa Nobody goes DOWN Huntington Ravine, but if you do...Have a shot of Jameson, but only when you get down first, for your thirst... :-) Side story--- I was at the intersection of Raymond path, on the Alpine Garden trail;...I took out my "Water Bottle" and filled up the cap-- a shot of Jameson...a woman hiker walked by and asked me "What's That your drinking?"...I told her "Apple Juice"--haha...just one of those stories....
Very gorgeous hike! It looks so different from Colorado. Love the drone music and shots. We can see things from a new perspective. Thanks so much posting. We love your videos.
Best hike ever. I did it a week right after you guys. What's funny is that boulder field is not part of the trail; there is at trail that circumnavigates that entire section, but it's really hard to find because of overgrowth.
Yeah, I believe it goes to the (hikers) right if memory serves me correct? Think everything worked out though, we redeemed Juno on Mansfield a week or so later which was a blast for everyone.
I’m so glad that you posted this because I really want to try this trail I’m a little nervous because of what everybody says but you seem to make it look really easy I wonder if I can do this
It’s certainly doable but I wouldn’t say it’s easy. I love scrambling and have ton of experience on rock faces like this which might be some of the “look easy” you are describing. It’s really just trusting your feet and being comfortable with exposure.
Interesting - what appears to be the same heather shrub growing amid rocks is prevalent in some areas of the west. The Santa Barbara / Truchas NM region above 11,000' on the approach to Jicarilla Peak. Smaller very gnarly boulders covered with vegetation, make getting off trail not cool.
Hi Virtual Sherpa (again)...the Huntington Ravine Trail --it's been 30 years----was one of 7 different trails I did in one year to the top of Mt Washington....I got to "know" the Mountain...the Huntington Ravine was the toughest no doubt. I remember a small Emergency Box at the base of Huntington Ravine, dedicated to a lost Rescuer---is it still there?...and Wise choice to not take the Dog up thru the Rock Field ...he probably would've made it , but why take chances....
Sure is - but laws change over time and when this was filmed (several years ago) I made a point to ask the rangers what the drone laws were before flying 🤘🏽
I am a "large man" living in the NH White Mountains with no recent hiking experience, and Washington is my eventual goal. I just turned 45, I want to complete an ascent by age 50. Realistic goal, or should I adjust it and take the Cog?
Anything is possible when you put your mind towards it - absolutely! I wouldn’t recommend Huntington but you could aim for Lions Head or Tuckerman. I would start with some other smaller hikes first and just build up 👍🏽
Have you ascended Washington yet? I feel like it’s an extraordinarily achievable goal even within 6 months or a 1 year. I’m not sure how overweight you are but there are larger people doing all sorts of hiking. Mount Washington really isn’t that hard in the grand scheme of things.
At 330 pounds, with all of the health issues that come with my weight (back and knee pain, etc.) Washington might as well be Everest. That's NOT me quitting on that goal, I WILL ascend on foot at least one time, probably Tuckerman Trail, before I turn 50. As of now, short walks and hard work (a little yoga as well) is my prep.
Ha, come to NH and try our trails. You've got highways to hike on with nice easy switchbacks, I'll bet you'd have trouble completing many trails out here
What time did you start the hike? The one time I Sumitted Washington (via tucks on my way to bag the northern presis along the traverse) was on a sunday but I started at 5am. I was at the summit all alone outside of the personnel that works there lol. Wouldn't even bother going up Washington any later honestly unless its late afternoon and 99% of the people are off the mountain and the auto road is closed by then.
We started way too late for sure. Around 7 if I can remember? But I truly think that COVID has made all of these spots zoos just because people don't know wtf to do with themselves and suddenly everyone "loves nature". But I agree with you, if I had to do this again it would be a later afternoon start for sure.
I haven’t hiked a mountain before...I want to hike Mount Mansfield and then Mount Washington! Is the class 3 hiking doable for someone with little experience? That portion with the slabs looked almost vertical!
I wouldn't recommend the route I show in the video for your first hike. There area bunch more options up Washington which I talk about here that might be a better fit: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/mt-washington-via-huntington-ravine-trail-guide/ - check out the make it a loop section.
In your opinion, which 14'er trail section would compare most closely to the most difficult section on Huntington's, in terms of both scrambling and exposure?
Very hard to compare since Colorado’s rock is typically very different than New Hampshire’s slab hiking. This is a class 3 hike with moderate exposure. Similar to the final section of Wetterhorn or the southwest ridge of Sneffels.
Jeff Zhang 100% and elevation gain here is absolutely no problem for me. It shifts strain from lungs to legs which is something I was very happy about. Biggest difference with hiking out here though is the roots/rocks which can make descents very slow.
The Virtual Sherpa moved from PA to CO, and can vouch for the roots and rocks, especially in the Adirondacks and Whites. Another major difference is that trails in the East tend to go straight up the side of the mountain without any switchbacks
The reason I haven't done Longs. First sentence in the 14ers route description: Get ready to make some new friends! Nope. Also; drone footage. Music. Are you in direct competition with Mediocre Amateurs?
@@TheVirtualSherpa You're doing fine man. It just struck me that you suddenly had drone footage and music, which obviously reminded me of Danny's stuff. The drone stuff is good. But if I can make a suggestion...I really like your stuff without music. Less produced is nice. And you do cool enough shit that it doesn't really need enhancement. In any case, keep doing what you do! You're holding your audience.
As an avid hiker/sometimes climber living in New Hampshire, it makes me so sad that this is the "most difficult" hiking trail in New England. It was a great hike but nothing very exciting.
@@TheVirtualSherpa don't get me wrong, it's beautiful here and I love it to death. I just want a little more spice without having to rope up sometimes.
Excellent choice not to have the dog continue. Lovely of Jackie to take the dog back down. I always want to bring my dog on hikes but sometimes the best decision is to leave her home.
Thanks for the perspective. I can’t imagine how annoying it must be for someone to be hiking and hear some negative Nancy narrating what a disaster the hike is to a selfie stick the whole way.
You think it’s worse to be negative in real life or behind a faceless RU-vid comment? FWIW - this was one of the best days I’ve ever had with my sister 🤷♀️
If you check with the Rangers and did any research on this trail you would see it specifically says not to bring dogs on it which means you don't know what you're doing. Anyone watching this video please don't attempt this hike with a dog. I'll go one further and say don't attempt it in any type of wet weather because you will probably slip and fall and die. Also do not bring a heavy pack because again you will have a lot of trouble. This is the most dangerous hike in New Hampshire because of the weather. People from out of state don't seem to understand that difficulty also entails reading weather patterns. It's the reason people come to Mount Washington to prep for Mount Everest. If you're out of state and you're unfamiliar with the area please don't post anything purporting to be advice for anybody.