Winter Katahdin

Katahdin in winter is no joke.

Let alone unsupported in a day. This was an amazing adventure that I really enjoyed orchestrating for this father-son duo. I’ve attempted this trip many times or similar trips and there is no guarantee that a summit is attainable. It depends on so many circumstances and the culmination of many different factors to come together. On this day it all came together and worked out as perfectly as it could.

We spent the night in Millinocket at a local hotel.

This allowed us to be up and out the door around 3:30. I’m all about making the most of the pre morning light to get the jump on the 18 mile hike in. We drove down the golden road to Abol bridge parking area. Gearing up the parking lot with just our grippers on to start. this allowed us to move quickly and efficiently. Carrying the snow shoes, crampons, and ice axes. The unknown of what we were going to encounter on the summit was a big question mark.

Five miles to Abol Campground

was spent in the dark and only the view of our headlamps was able to capture the world around us. We moved quite efficiently on nocked this out in two hours driving at the campground at around 6:30 am. Checking in with the ranger and getting more beta for our above tree line trek was good knowledge to have but the unknown was still there. We had lots of miles to go before we were back to the car and the weather was still a mystery.

The next 4.2 to the Baxter Peak summit was a slog.

slowing our way down. We walked with grippers on and had a lot of boot issues. We finally arrived above the tree line at about 8:30. Ditching the snow shoes and mounting our crampons on our feet as the terrain was hard-packed snow. Lots of rocks peeking out of the snow made it a scramble.

This part had us slowing way down. Wandering through blocks of rock and snow and ice. The rime ice was coating everything with a good four inches of ice which made for a more interesting climb.

Reaching the summit cone at around 11 am we only had a mile to go to the summit. With gray skies above and a clear view to the summit, it was just a matter of walking over to it. The top was covered in snow with a thick layer of ice covering it.

Crampons were a must as we moved slowly but steadily toward our goal.

As we walked I turned around on a bit of a knoll before the summit and crossing the summit was a coyote that seemed to be just as stark difference to the landscape as we were. It was on a mission to cross to the other side. I doubt this happens very often and I felt an immense sense of gratitude to be able to witness it.

We walked the last 100 yards to the summit a crow was gliding along the thermals and enjoying a glide along the sign and Karen was at the top.

Another spectacular moment.

We got to the top with a triumphant exhaustion that gave us so much joy. These two were trying to tick off all the highest points in the continental United States. This by far was the biggest accomplishment for them. It was a full-on effort to get up there. I reminded them that we were only halfway home and still had to descend the 9 miles back to the car. We snapped some photos and videos then turned tail and headed back down the way we came. Finding the Abol tail down is always a challenge since it looks like every other pile of rocks up there. luckily I was able to find the way and navigate the moonlike landscape of the summit cone.

Once below the summit we snaked up and posed some Ibuprofen.

Then descended through the boulder field. We made it back to Abol campground at around 4:30 back the the car around 6:30. All in all and successfull one day winter climb of katahdin. I’m grateful that the cards fell where they did and that it all worked out for the best. Keep Climbing!

If you are interested in this sort of adventure please reach out via email and inquire about a Katahdin trip!

“Went on a guided winter ascent of Mt Katahdin in February 2023 with my son and the Equinox guide. This was an amazing experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Our guide (Noah) was well prepared and highly experienced and prepped us well in the weeks leading to our trip. He guided us with a light hand giving us confidence and allowing for a genuine Mountaineering experience of a classic epic peak. We always felt safe with our guide. I highly recommend this for anyone with hiking experience that wants the fun, challenge, and skill-set associated with a thrilling winter ascent.” - George Miller