Hiking the Presidential Traverse

Included:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 1 or 2-day guided Presidential Traverse hike
  • Accommodation for 1 nights in tents or the Grey Knob Cabin (refers to 2-day tours)
  • Transportation to the trailhead

Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

• • Accommodation before and after the hike (guide’s Bunkhouse in Glen, NH)

Not included:

• • Transportation to Glen, NH
  • Food and snacks
  • Personal gear and equipment
  • Gear rentals
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Guide gratuities — optional

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:

• • Backpack with a mandatory waist wrap (around a 55-65L bag)
  • Trekking poles
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Hiking boots or sturdy trail-runners
  • Lightweight wool socks
  • Trekking pants
  • Wicking T-shirt
  • Wicking long-sleeve shirt
  • Light down or synthetic jacket
  • Waterproof hardshell jacket
  • Waterproof hardshell pants
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Synthetic base layers
  • Warm hat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

If you’re doing the 2-day hike or are staying at The Bunkhouse before or after the hike, you’ll also need:

• • Tent (for the 2-Day Tent-Based Hike)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad

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:

• • For the two-day tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  • For the one-day tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1.

Hiking in Mount Washington can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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!