I made a counterclockwise lollipop-ish loop of Mount Washington and Change Peak today. I wanted to try out a new pair of snowshoes. The day started foggy/sunny with plenty of peek a boo-cloud inversion views, but by time I reached the top of MW it was full on socked in with light snow (high winds) the rest of the day.
The Mount Washington trail is majority hard packed snow and ice all the way to the top, ok to do with just boots. There was one stretch that went straight up a slope, a winter route cutting switchbacks buried in the snow I figured. The top was very cold and windy, the snow was coming in.. Heading down to the 5010-510 from the summit is where I put on the snowshoes. I followed a lone set of tracks seemingly placed earlier in the week (thanks to whoever did that!) to the junction with 5010-350 and then over to the path up Change Peak. After summiting Change I made my way back down to the road and followed it to the junction with the Olallie trail. This takes you down to a short 5010-370 road then to the Great Wall trail, which connects right back up with Mount Washington trail. Snow for that entire snowshoe section: 3-5 feet in areas, mostly powder and more came down today. Between the lone track and my addition however there is a somewhat decent path to follow.
Spikes and/or poles recommended for the descent down Mount Washington- I used just poles and almost slipped multiple times. It's never fun from Owl Hike spot to the TH in my opinion.
8 other hikers seen (2 of which were winter campers). Also: found a set keys at the TH- Toyota fob w/2 house keys. This was handed off to the Ranger down at Homestead Valley TH if you are missing them.
RT 10.35/3398ft
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