Thanks for the video. I have thought about doing this for far too long. I am a 64 year old long distance backpacker so I know I can still do 20 plus miles since I do them with a full pack. I stayed at the Lakes of the Clouds with my then 10 year daughter. We took three nights and three and half days to complete the traverse. To this day I view it as my greatest outdoor adventure. Mostly because of my daughter. She says she is up to the traverse in one day. I think next year after I hike the Colorado trail I will give it a go. You made a very informative video. Thanks again
Thank you, Nick. I did the Prez Range close to 30 years ago when I was in my 30s. I had reservations for all the huts and the AMC shuttle. I did it over the course of three days. I plan to do the AT NOBO next year. I will be 67 then. I plan to do the Prez Range in one day. Hiking long hours is no stranger to me. I finished my New England Hundred Highest this year after working on them for over 35 years. I did Dr. Warren Doyle's ATI (Appalachian Train Institute) in Mountain City, Tennessee in October where he dogged us on long sections of the AT and stressed time management.
Did this the other way, south to north with a friend in just about 14h with lunch at Washington. If you do it north, Adams is going to be your nemesis. The rocks and fatigue from all the miles behind you will make you question your decision. I do agree with your opinion about Washington, as it does take you right out of the experience to see people with flip flops and a 100ft line to take a picture of the summit sign. 10/10 tho, if you are up for the challenge please go do it!
Awesome video, really well done. Loved the history included. I did the presis last weekend for the first time. I like that you suggested Watson and Star Lake. We loved it, people at trailhead recommended against it. We were glad we did not take their advice, plus you get some waterfalls. A side from 40mph winds and a t-storm, our first traverse was incredible. Can’t wait to do it in better weather with views!
Glad to hear! Good weather is so rare up there; it actually took me 5 traverses just to get enough footage to make this video. I hope you get clear skies next time.
Thanks Nick. One thing to watch for is how confusing the trail signage can be around Thunderstorm Junction. Our group had trouble there. But overall the traverse was a fantastic experience!
Great guide, learned a lot! 8h is very fast. I'd add three things, if you do survive the Watson path winds (Valley Way is usually protected), there's a good chance you will survive the Washington winds, they're often very similar, so it might be good to test your gear here. Rocks, most people can't run them, but some people run everything there is on the trail. Finally, Clay is really worth the detours, giving amazing views on the gully.
+Richard Hachem Good point about the Watson winds. In fact on all 6 of my traverses so far, I hit my worst winds before Washington, usually at Adams. I'd be curious to know how comparable the two are, although I'm sure no one would ever want to set up weather equipment and run electricity up to the craggy peak of Adams. And I thought 8 hours was fast too, until I saw checkpoint times and videos of some who can do it in 5 hours! By the way bravo on your winter traverse! That looked brutal...
+JazzBrass421 You could do it with 2 people and handheld anemometers :) Thanks this was part of a single season winter 115 I just finished; the presi and premi loop were the most brutal! I had to bail pemi loop, because of 100mph winds on lafayette.
Sure does, as well as some skits by the staff and sometimes a class by a naturalist before dinner. But if you're a broke 20 something year old like I was when I made this video, or didn't reserve a cot weeks or months in advance, then it's a one day traverse for you!
Oh yeah also I wasn't aware of the Watson Path so this option is great to know, I was considering taking the Hawker Ridge Trail so we wouldn't have to do any back tracking? I also strongly agree with you on your feelings towards Washington haha : )
great video! I'm also from western mass, just wondering if you had an idea on the weather in early june. I was looking over the records from mt washington observatory but thats hard to get an idea what the weather would be like below tree line in a hammock. trying to figure out if a 35degree bag with a bivy or just a 15degree bag would work.
+Northeast Outdoorsman I wish I could help, but I've never camped off the trail, only down in the Great Gulf Wilderness and near the trail head, but here's what I can say: Above and below the treeline are two different worlds. In fact, taking shelter in some bushes above the treeline makes you feel like you're in the calm eye of a hurricane, so I'd look at Pinkham Notch Center readings and subtract 5-10 degrees instead of looking up the insane conditions on MWOBS. I hope we get some ACTUAL spring weather in New England before your trip! This year seems to be slow to warm up. Even in mid July conditions above the treeline are unpredictable: th-cam.com/video/VhN0PPmUjXA/w-d-xo.html
Awesome video, very informative! Do you know any good places to camp for the night if I want to make it a 2 day trip? And do you need a permit in advance to be able to camp?
When you say Watson is harder than staying Valley Way...what do you mean? is it steeper? On the Map it appears to be the same steepness. Asking because i like your idea of taking Watson. Also, is Watson more rocky than Valley?
I personally Watson is a bit more technical, and it takes you right to the summit. So it's a bit of a risk; going to the hut 1st via valley way or skyline allows you to see conditions, talk to the staff, etc. But Watson means that you're committing to the 1st summit. It's definitely quickest, but could also be risky.
What should I do in terms of a workout routine in order to ensure success on this trip? I also do not plan on doing it in just one day, I would really love to gives this a shot any advice would be highly appreciated.
I would try doing some hard elevation gain hikes before you go up, preferably with some weight like a loaded backpack. Calves are usually the first thing to get sore so workouts like calf raises many weeks before the trip would be good. If you're doing it in more than one day then don't push yourself too hard the first day, because hiking while sore and tight on the 2nd day is torture. And don't forget to STRETCH! seriously, spend like 15 minutes just stretching your legs before you start. That's all I can think of. Let me know how it goes!
There is an AMC shuttle system for this area of the White Mountains HOWEVER the last shuttle of the day that would take you back to the Appalachia: Valley Way parking lot (where you start) departs at 1:25pm, which is just not possible unless you start your hike at like midnight. And all shuttles are shut down in 2020 for obvious reasons. If you're going up there alone, maybe try reserving/scheduling a ride with Uber or Lyft?
Fantastic video! A friend of mine and I are doing this hike in a couple of weeks, I have done all of these mountains in day hikes but not consecutively in one hike. Your video was very helpful. How many times have you done this hike? Also sounds like we live not to far from one another, I live about 10 minutes south of Springfield.
Hi Joe, Thanks! I've done this route of the PT 5 & 1/2 times, (My last time I had to bail at Washington because of terrible weather, see my video called "Bad Weather Traverse") I live in Easthampton, so yeah we're probably a short drive away!
Thanks for the video. I have thought about doing this for far too long. I am a 64 year old long distance backpacker so I know I can still do 20 plus miles since I do them with a full pack. I stayed at the Lakes of the Clouds with my then 10 year daughter. We took three nights and three and half days to complete the traverse. To this day I view it as my greatest outdoor adventure. Mostly because of my daughter. She says she is up to the traverse in one day. I think next year after I hike the Colorado trail I will give it a go. You made a very informative video. Thanks again
Thank you, Nick. I did the Prez Range close to 30 years ago when I was in my 30s. I had reservations for all the huts and the AMC shuttle. I did it over the course of three days. I plan to do the AT NOBO next year. I will be 67 then. I plan to do the Prez Range in one day. Hiking long hours is no stranger to me. I finished my New England Hundred Highest this year after working on them for over 35 years. I did Dr. Warren Doyle's ATI (Appalachian Train Institute) in Mountain City, Tennessee in October where he dogged us on long sections of the AT and stressed time management.
Thanks for this. Preparing my first attempt this summer and your video was the most useful one I’ve seen so far . Good work!
I liked Music in you video and thinking of doing this hike in 2025. Thank you
Did this as part of a week long hiking trek when I was 17. Still have the hiking stick I picked up on the trail 🙂
Did this the other way, south to north with a friend in just about 14h with lunch at Washington. If you do it north, Adams is going to be your nemesis. The rocks and fatigue from all the miles behind you will make you question your decision.
I do agree with your opinion about Washington, as it does take you right out of the experience to see people with flip flops and a 100ft line to take a picture of the summit sign.
10/10 tho, if you are up for the challenge please go do it!
Very helpful guide loved the 3d map footage. I'm excited to go for it now. Thanks!
Thank you very much for putting in the time to map out a good guide!
Did this when I was 14 awesome views the whole time you just gotta start early and pick a good day
Thanks for this video! Pretty spectacular hike. I’m planning to do this during the summer 🙂
This is the best video on Presi Traverse and was very helpful to us . Thanks a lot. I'll share it with my fellow hikers
Utkarsh Mahar thanks so much!
8 hrs is a really smoking time. Ten is really solid. Many people do 12 ish.
Awesome video, really well done. Loved the history included. I did the presis last weekend for the first time. I like that you suggested Watson and Star Lake. We loved it, people at trailhead recommended against it. We were glad we did not take their advice, plus you get some waterfalls. A side from 40mph winds and a t-storm, our first traverse was incredible. Can’t wait to do it in better weather with views!
Glad to hear! Good weather is so rare up there; it actually took me 5 traverses just to get enough footage to make this video. I hope you get clear skies next time.
Pic Borges weather makes for good stories. If it was always sunshine, it would be boring.
Thanks Nick. One thing to watch for is how confusing the trail signage can be around Thunderstorm Junction. Our group had trouble there. But overall the traverse was a fantastic experience!
This video helped me for my first. Now I have done 3
That's so awesome! Adding your hiking videos to my queue. This made my day, thanks.
Awesome video, hoping to do the traverse next Summer.
Watched this video multiple times. Thanks for the tip on Watson path. Going to help.
Great guide, learned a lot! 8h is very fast. I'd add three things, if you do survive the Watson path winds (Valley Way is usually protected), there's a good chance you will survive the Washington winds, they're often very similar, so it might be good to test your gear here. Rocks, most people can't run them, but some people run everything there is on the trail. Finally, Clay is really worth the detours, giving amazing views on the gully.
+Richard Hachem Good point about the Watson winds. In fact on all 6 of my traverses so far, I hit my worst winds before Washington, usually at Adams. I'd be curious to know how comparable the two are, although I'm sure no one would ever want to set up weather equipment and run electricity up to the craggy peak of Adams. And I thought 8 hours was fast too, until I saw checkpoint times and videos of some who can do it in 5 hours!
By the way bravo on your winter traverse! That looked brutal...
+JazzBrass421 You could do it with 2 people and handheld anemometers :) Thanks this was part of a single season winter 115 I just finished; the presi and premi loop were the most brutal! I had to bail pemi loop, because of 100mph winds on lafayette.
Crawled last half mile to summit of Lafayette in 125 mph gusts a few years back awesome traverse dude
John Quincy Adams is my favorite president!
Met a guy doing this when I was thru hiking , wasn't sure what the mileage was. Now I know what the mountains u gotta do are
Great video. Very informative. Thanks Nick!!
The fee at the huts included 2 meals, dinner and breakfast, and a bed.
Sure does, as well as some skits by the staff and sometimes a class by a naturalist before dinner. But if you're a broke 20 something year old like I was when I made this video, or didn't reserve a cot weeks or months in advance, then it's a one day traverse for you!
That is impressive to traverse in 8 hours!
Thank you!
Very great info! Thanks!
Oh yeah also I wasn't aware of the Watson Path so this option is great to know, I was considering taking the Hawker Ridge Trail so we wouldn't have to do any back tracking? I also strongly agree with you on your feelings towards Washington haha : )
Joe Grimaldi ..the Howker Ridge is one of best trails !
thank you very much
Awesome video man, doing this in a few weeks, thanks so much!
great video! I'm also from western mass, just wondering if you had an idea on the weather in early june. I was looking over the records from mt washington observatory but thats hard to get an idea what the weather would be like below tree line in a hammock. trying to figure out if a 35degree bag with a bivy or just a 15degree bag would work.
+Northeast Outdoorsman I wish I could help, but I've never camped off the trail, only down in the Great Gulf Wilderness and near the trail head, but here's what I can say:
Above and below the treeline are two different worlds. In fact, taking shelter in some bushes above the treeline makes you feel like you're in the calm eye of a hurricane, so I'd look at Pinkham Notch Center readings and subtract 5-10 degrees instead of looking up the insane conditions on MWOBS.
I hope we get some ACTUAL spring weather in New England before your trip! This year seems to be slow to warm up.
Even in mid July conditions above the treeline are unpredictable: th-cam.com/video/VhN0PPmUjXA/w-d-xo.html
Make a video on the gear you bring.
Awesome video, very informative! Do you know any good places to camp for the night if I want to make it a 2 day trip? And do you need a permit in advance to be able to camp?
When you say Watson is harder than staying Valley Way...what do you mean? is it steeper? On the Map it appears to be the same steepness. Asking because i like your idea of taking Watson. Also, is Watson more rocky than Valley?
I personally Watson is a bit more technical, and it takes you right to the summit. So it's a bit of a risk; going to the hut 1st via valley way or skyline allows you to see conditions, talk to the staff, etc. But Watson means that you're committing to the 1st summit. It's definitely quickest, but could also be risky.
Hey there's a fly on the wind shield......zap that thing.
What should I do in terms of a workout routine in order to ensure success on this trip? I also do not plan on doing it in just one day, I would really love to gives this a shot any advice would be highly appreciated.
I would try doing some hard elevation gain hikes before you go up, preferably with some weight like a loaded backpack. Calves are usually the first thing to get sore so workouts like calf raises many weeks before the trip would be good. If you're doing it in more than one day then don't push yourself too hard the first day, because hiking while sore and tight on the 2nd day is torture. And don't forget to STRETCH! seriously, spend like 15 minutes just stretching your legs before you start. That's all I can think of. Let me know how it goes!
im new to this, so once you get to the end there is a shuttle that brings you back to the start?
There is an AMC shuttle system for this area of the White Mountains HOWEVER the last shuttle of the day that would take you back to the Appalachia: Valley Way parking lot (where you start) departs at 1:25pm, which is just not possible unless you start your hike at like midnight. And all shuttles are shut down in 2020 for obvious reasons.
If you're going up there alone, maybe try reserving/scheduling a ride with Uber or Lyft?
Fantastic video! A friend of mine and I are doing this hike in a couple of weeks, I have done all of these mountains in day hikes but not consecutively in one hike. Your video was very helpful. How many times have you done this hike? Also sounds like we live not to far from one another, I live about 10 minutes south of Springfield.
Hi Joe,
Thanks! I've done this route of the PT 5 & 1/2 times, (My last time I had to bail at Washington because of terrible weather, see my video called "Bad Weather Traverse") I live in Easthampton, so yeah we're probably a short drive away!
Thanks for this video. Super helpful. When you do the PT, do you mostly trail run or are you hiking to get your book times?
Wrong Pierce. It should be Hawkeye Pierce.
>pierce
nice
I don't know why I watched this...I live in California
I live in NH and always watch videos of the Sierra