The Presidential Traverse on the White Mountains is one of the most classic and well-known routes in New Hampshire. Its name stems from the fact that you get to take on all of the mountains in the Presidential Range in one crazy continuous hike! There’s nearly 23 miles to hike here, with a stunning 9,000 ft of elevation gain. Given that the route also encompasses almost all of the state’s highest peaks with almost maximum exposure, the scenery here is truly breathtaking. Tackle the Presidential Traverse in two days for a scenic yet challenging experience, or push yourself to the limit with the one-day option for a thrilling, high-intensity adventure led by an expert guide! Discover more amazing hikes in the USA from Maggie Slepian, backpacker, trail runner, hiker, and mountain biker.
Great experience. The guides are all first-class and super down-to-earth. Staying at the bunkhouse was cheap and easy. Gear is all first-rate. On day one we got the basics down (my brother and I had no winter mountaineering experience). On day two we summitted Mt Washington. Our guide had been up 63 out of his 67 attempts. He knew every inch of that mountain and we both felt totally at ease. An awesome experience! Excited to come back for some ice climbing.
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
Hiking the Presidential Traverse is a strenuous undertaking and should not be taken lightly. This adventure, especially the one-day tour, requires top physical conditioning. The majority of the climb is above the treeline, and you will be exposed to sun, rain, sometimes snow, and of course the White Mountains’ notorious winds. Participants must be avid hikers with previous camping experience and be in terrific physical condition.
With the one-day tour, you will be hiking over 20 miles for up to 18 hours with intense changes in altitude. The two-day tour is less strenuous but still requires great physical shape and experience with hiking.
Your guides hold complete discretion to change the itinerary if they see that the participants’ fitness level is lacking. In this case, there will not be a discount or refund.
Yes! Since the Presidential Traverse hike is long and exhausting, your guides highly recommend staying in the area to make it as seamless as possible.
They recommend their Bunkhouse—it’s got a heated communal bunkroom, bathrooms, shower, fireplace, outdoor fire ring, and a kitchenette. You can add a night or two to your booking at checkout.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
If you’re doing the 2-day hike or are staying at The Bunkhouse before or after the hike, you’ll also need:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Mount Washington can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Presidential Traverse, most people fly into Portland International Jetport. From there, you can rent a car and take a 2-hour drive to Glen, NH, or take a bus to Naples American Legion and take a taxi, which will take you around 2h15min total.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide’s Bunkhouse in Glen, NH, or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Payment in full is due at the time of booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies:
Date changes are subject to availability. Date changes may be requested at anytime up to 7 days prior to your adventure without incurring a date change fee. Date changes may be requested between 7 and 3 days prior to your departure date for a $25 fee per person. There are no date changes allowed within 72 hours before your adventure.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
