Distance
11.8 mi to summit
24.2 mi total
Elevation
1,524 ft start
4,913 ft max
Vertical
6,743 ft gain
Time
9 hr 41 min to summit
13 hr 36 min total
Parked at the Garden well before sunrise; got some great views of the stars before starting. Trail to Big Slide was straightforward, many outcroppings along the way. Descended to Johns Brook Lodge, then up Phelps Trail to Haystack. Grueling part of the trail, over Little Haystack and up the summit! Slowly over Basin, up Saddleback (cliffs right before sunset!) before descending Orebed Brook and out to the Garden. Muscle cramping = biggest issue, and hiking in the dark: 2.5hr. All in all, a very long but fulfilling day!
Route name
loop
Obstacles
rockfall/loose rock, snow on route
Key gear
crampons, helmet, trekking poles, mountaineering boots, GPS device
Other peaks climbed on this trip
