3,119 ft | Montalban Ridge | 0 routes
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Mount Crawford are currently rated Difficult. At 3:20 AM ET it was 30°F at the summit (3,119 ft), feeling like 19°F, with WNW winds at 17 mph. See the hour-by-hour Mount Crawford weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
No routes available for this peak.
Feels like 19°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.05" (24h) · 0.62" (48h)
Snow: 0.3" (24h) · 0.3" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Dense freezing drizzle with temps near or below freezing means glazed ice on ledges, slabs, and rock is likely, and wind chill at the summit drops to around 4-19°F with gusts up to 42 mph. Saturday is the worst day for hiking; Sunday offers dry, overcast conditions with a better window, though ice from the freezing drizzle may linger on shaded trail and ledges.
The trailhead near 2,000 ft runs about 28-40°F while the summit sits near 23-36°F with stronger winds, and the freezing level straddles the route, so expect icing to worsen as you climb. Start with a moderate layering system and add an insulated layer and windproof shell before leaving tree cover, since summit wind chill is dramatically colder than at the trailhead.
Best Hiking Window
Postpone Saturday's hike if possible. Sunday late morning through early afternoon is the best window: dry and overcast with highs in the low 40s, allowing time for any glaze on the trail to loosen. Start after full daylight and plan to be off the summit well before dark.
Last synthesized Oct 17, 3:20 AM ET
Planning a hike here this week?
Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
Trail: Davis Path, Crawford Spur, Stairs Spur
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Due to the rain the trail and some of the ledges were still a little wet, but didn't create any issues.”
Trail: Davis Path, Crawford Spur
Conditions: Dry Trail
“Epic. 2.2 miles from lot across the bridge to rock slabs, stay right, trail is poorly marked up on the slabs, do not be bamboozled, I'd be remiss if the warning fell on deaf eyes, so be warned. Go right. The summit was glorious, 365 degree views. Sun. No breeze.”
Trail: Davis Path, Crawford Spur
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock
“A visit to Mt. Crawford today for another four-hour volunteer wilderness monitoring shift for the Forest Service. I've done this several times now and this was the busiest it has ever been. I counted close to 30 hikers, which is far more than in the past. And it wasn't even a weekend. Most were only going as far as Crawford but two went out to Resolution and Stairs. Ground conditions started wet due to overnight rain and it was raining on the drive through Twin Mountain in the morning. The upper ledges were fortunately dry with just a few slippery spots to be mindful of. Rain was in the forecast for the afternoon but didn't materialize and skies were a mix of sun and clouds with a pleasant breeze. Good to chat with folks up there, including one with a unexpected local connection. Small world.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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24°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 24°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
50 mph
Summit gusts
Waterproof shell
Daytime gusts near 50 mph above treeline, and a shell is what blocks it.
10h 52m
Daylight
Headlamp
Sunset around 5:56 PM, so a late start or a slow descent ends in the dark.
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
Rising above Crawford Notch in the heart of the White Mountains, this 3,119-foot summit sits along the Montalban Ridge, a long spine extending south from Mount Washington. Despite its modest elevation, the mountain punches above its weight with a rocky, open summit that delivers sweeping views of Crawford Notch, the Presidential Range, and the surrounding valleys below. The approach via the Crawford Connector and Mount Crawford Trail gains elevation steadily through mixed forest before breaking out onto exposed ledges near the top, rewarding hikers with a genuine above-treeline experience. The relatively short round-trip distance makes this a manageable objective for hikers building confidence on rocky terrain. As part of the 52 With A View list, it earns its place through exceptional summit scenery rather than sheer height, making it a favorite among peak baggers seeking quality views without committing to a full Presidential Ridge traverse.
Elevation
3,119 ft
Range
Montalban Ridge
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
44.1367, -71.3324
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.
1 incident on file · drawn from NH Fish and Game releases and regional reporting
Robert White, of Jackson, NH
On Saturday, October 20, 2012, Robert White of Jackson, NH, slipped and fell while descending the Davis Path on Mount Crawford in Hart's Location, injuring his leg. He and his hiking companion called for help at 4:35 p.m. Conservation Officers, fire department personnel, AVSAR volunteers, AMC staff, ambulance crew and a Forest Service ranger carried White 2.2 miles to the trailhead, and he was transported to Memorial Hospital in North Conway.