new hampshire

Trail Running the Pemi Loop

One foggy day many years ago I was taking a break at Galehead Hut before summiting Galehead Mountain on my quest to finish New Hampshire’s 48 4,000-foot peaks. I was pretty excited and exhausted since I thought that summiting a 4,000 ft. peak made for an epic day. That is when a tank top clad […]

by Grant Ritter

Tuckerman Ravine via Right Gully

Tuckerman Ravine is one of my favorite alpine playgrounds in New England. Its big alpine vibe and the variety of routes are something you just don’t see on many New England mountains. That is why our recent Tuckerman’s ascent, via Right Gully, was one of my favorite climbs this winter. Tuckerman Ravine is an imposing […]

by Grant Ritter

An ascent of Shoestring Gully

Ice, snow, rocks, steep pitches and just about anything else you could want from an alpine experience can be found on Shoestring Gully. This multi-pitch ice and snow climb was the perfect way to expand my climbing comfort zone to kick off the winter season. Shoestring Gully is a mixed ice and snow route on […]

by Grant Ritter

Mount Monroe and Eisenhower Trip Report

I recently realized that my boots had not touched the summit of a 4,000 foot peak in many months and I knew that had to change. My recent trip to Mount Monroe and Eisenhower is just what I needed. This 9.4 mile semi strenuous loop will show you some of the best above tree line […]

by Grant Ritter

Mountaineering Training in Huntington Ravine with Adventure Spirit Rock + Ice + Alpine Experiences

Ready to get steep, photo by Kel Rossiter My hiking crew and I recently spent 2 bluebird days working on basic mountaineering skills in Huntington Ravine with Kelly “Kel” Rossiter from Adventure Spirit Rock + Ice + Alpine Experiences. We covered a huge range of topics including crampon use, self-arrest, snow anchors, crevasse rescue and […]

by Grant Ritter

5 Ways to Find Winter when Winter Won’t Find You

You can reverse the trend The winter of 2012 has been a harsh slap in the face from the weather gods who spoiled us with epic snowfall last year. This winter’s 50+ degree days and meager snowfall may have you thinking that the season is lost. Have no fear, winter is out there and here […]

by Grant Ritter

Mount Monadnock: Winter Ascent via the Spellman Trail

I have always wanted to climb Mount Monadnock via the Spellman Trail. It is one of the steepest and most remote trails on the mountain. We arrived at the trailhead on a 40 degree January day in the aftermath of a rain storm. Despite these odd conditions the ascent was awesome and Spellman is now […]

by Grant Ritter

5 “More” Hiker Etiquette Guidelines

By: Karl Searl, author of Live Free and Hike New Hampshire When hiking, it is really important to follow proper trail etiquette. By doing so, you’re ensuring that your fellow hikers are having an enjoyable experience, while also maintaining the true beauty and habitat of nature. Many websites and books have standard hiker etiquette codes […]

by Grant Ritter

Owl’s Head trip report: finished NH’s 48 4000 footers

I recently stood on the summit of Owl’s Head which completed my 11 year quest to hike New Hampshire’s 48 4000 foot peaks. Owl’s Head has a bad reputation due to the long approach, challenging stream crossings and bushwhack to the summit. However ideal weather conditions combined with the joy of finishing the 48 4000 […]

by Grant Ritter

Mount Guyot and Zealand Overnight Trip Report

photo by Christopher Laplante My friend from New Mexico and I always go on a big trip each year. In the past we have gone to Alaska, Yellowstone, South Dakota and Montana. This year we set our sights on New England and it was up to me, as the New England native, to plan a […]