I hiked the very popular Mt. Chocorua on Saturday under clear skies and temps in the 20′s.  Champney Falls and Piper trails were very well packed out from top to bottom.  The last bit to the summit is bare rock, over which I wore crampons to get comfortably to the top.  Many others were wearing crampons, but there were those who made it up on microspikes.  I tried microspikes, but changed to crampons as I just wasn’t getting the bite on the ice I wanted.  I didn’t see any point in leaving the crampons in my pack, when they were there for the wearing.  The traction offered by the crampons was outstanding, I must say…nothing like it, especially when you need a toehold on ice and snow going up a steep grade.

The summit was clear all the way around – views as far as there was to see.  Mt. Washington and the Presidential range were the standout peaks, majestic white against the blue sky and surrounding darker peaks.

I took the loop trail that takes you by Champney and Pitcher falls.  I happened upon 4 ice climbers, who were all nice folks willing to let me watch them do their thing and talk to me about the sport.  All and all, it was a perfect day outdoors.

And without further ado, the pictures…

Presidentials from Champney Falls Trail

This and several more shots from the Mt. Chocorua summit…

And now for the ice and ice climbers…