3,570 ft | Baldface | 0 routes
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on South Baldface are currently rated Difficult. At 3:20 AM ET it was 29°F at the summit (3,570 ft), feeling like 19°F, with WNW winds at 12 mph. See the hour-by-hour South Baldface weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Feels like 19°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.04" (24h) · 0.39" (48h)
Snow: 0.2" (24h) · 0.2" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Mid-October brings freezing temperatures, strong winds with summit gusts around 42-46 mph, and wind chills near 1-19°F, with a trace of fresh snow likely glazing rock and ledges. Daylight is limited to about 11 hours, so an early start is essential. Conditions improve Sunday and especially Monday, which look calmer and warmer.
Temperatures drop from about 28-41°F at the trailhead to 22-37°F at the summit, with winds roughly 29 mph at the trailhead rising to 46 mph on the summit and wind chill falling from about 12°F to 1°F. Start with layers you can adjust at the trailhead, and add a windproof shell and insulating layers before reaching the open ledges where wind exposure increases sharply.
Best Hiking Window
Saturday late morning through early afternoon offers the best light and slightly warmer temps, but winds stay strong. Sunday is calmer with lighter precipitation risk and a better window, while Monday is the best day of the period (warmest, driest).
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: Baldface Circle Trail, Eagle Link, Wild River Trail, Rainbow, Trail Carter-Moriah Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant
“Trails in good shape, all in all, except Eagle Link, which was really overgrown and looked relatively unused. Had some mud on it (went in to my ankles, then up to my knee at point). Attacked by a defensive grouse hen on Eagle Link (also had a moose encounter on same trail). Wild River and Rainbow were in pretty good shape and easy to follow. Decent amount of water at Zeta Pass (no scoop needed).”
Trail: Baldface Circle Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“I went clockwise - the ledges up South Baldface were excellent. Beautiful day, but hot during the ascents. Emerald Pool at the end was super refreshing.”
Trail: Baldface Circle Trail
Conditions: Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery
“BCT was very challenging the day after huge rain. I counted on the wind acting as a big blow dryer on the slabs and was right for the most part. Where I wasn't, I had to go up or down like a snail. Wet rocks out of the sun were mossy and slick. That was most of the descent. Be comfortable with wet and muddy feet on this one. Kestrel got some gusts in the low 30s above treeline.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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61 mph
Summit gusts
Plan a below-treeline hike
Daytime gusts near 61 mph above treeline. Pick a sheltered route or another day.
22°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 22°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
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 in the scenic Baldface Range of the White Mountains in eastern New Hampshire, this 3,570-foot summit offers one of the most rewarding above-treeline experiences in the region despite its modest elevation. The classic Baldface Circle Trail leads hikers through open ledges and exposed granite slabs that provide sweeping 360-degree views of the Whites, including the Presidential Range and Evans Notch wilderness. A significant portion of the upper route travels above treeline, making it feel far more alpine than the elevation suggests. The trail character is rugged and demanding, with steep pitches and open rock requiring careful navigation in any weather. As part of the 52 With a View (52 WAV) peak list, South Baldface earns its Very Difficult rating through sustained physical challenge and exposed terrain. It is frequently paired with North Baldface for a full loop, making it a popular objective for experienced hikers.
Elevation
3,570 ft
Range
Baldface
Difficulty
Very Difficult
Coordinates
44.2309, -71.0779
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.