3,463 ft | Montalban Ridge | 0 routes
Feels like 43°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.65" (24h) · 0.74" (48h)
~4.4°F drop per 1,000ft
Stairs Mountain is showing DIFFICULT conditions
See exactly why with full AI conditions — hazard alerts, gear recommendations, and the best hiking window.
See Full ConditionsBest Hiking Window
Wait until Monday at the earliest for the storm to pass, then assess trail conditions. Sunday brings the heaviest snow and lowest temperatures. Monday's milder temperatures may accelerate snowmelt but trails will be muddy, icy, and wet — plan for an early morning start to take advantage of firmer frozen surfaces before afternoon softening.
Trail: Davis Path, Mt. Parker Trail, Stairs Mountain Spur, Crawford Spur
Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder
“Bareboot or spikes up to Crawford; too many exposed rocks for snowshoes there. Past Crawford, the snow is light powder so snowshoes were helpful on the way to stairs and resolution but not totally necessary. The Stairs trail was a little narrow and over overgrown (ducking and dodging low branches). On the way to Resolution, we were able to pass through the icy slab going up, but it’s definitely very sketchy and dangerous. But some hero broke out a bushwhack to the left of the slab that we used on the way down and that was a lot better. From Mount resolution to the south knob was not yet broken out, so we broke trail on that section with snowshoes. The view from the knob was very expansive. No real issues with wind past Crawford. The walk out felt very long, pack a positive attitude…”
Trail: Davis Path, Mt. Parker Trail, Stairs Mountain Spur, Crawford Spur
Conditions: Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Small Patches
“Incredible views.”
Trail: Davis Path, Mt. Parker Trail, Stairs Mountain Spur, Crawford Spur
Conditions: Dry Trail
“Not sure if it peaked early this year, or if leaves are just dropping very quickly due to the drought, but the foliage was not as good as it usually is in Crawford Notch in early October. Oh well, still beautiful views on this unseasonably warm day. The 1.8 mile section between Mt. Crawford Spur and Stairs Col Trail is relatively flat, with little elevation gain. Then it picks up again for the last 1/2 mile to the start of the Stairs Spur. So if you've already made it to Mt Crawford, you've done most of the hard work. The rest of the mileage was much easier. Just thought I'd mention it, for those contemplating doing all three peaks.”
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth, Mt. Washington Avalanche Center, USGS Stream Levels, OpenWeather Air Quality.
AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.
No routes available for this peak.
Rising along the scenic Montalban Ridge in New Hampshire's White Mountains, this 3,463-foot summit earns its Difficult rating through a rugged, sustained approach that challenges even experienced hikers. Part of the 52 With a View (52 WAV) peak list, it rewards the effort with rewarding ridge perspectives and a sense of true backcountry immersion. The mountain takes its name from its distinctive stepped, stair-like rock formations visible on its flanks. Trail character is generally forested with rocky, rooted terrain, and hikers can expect some above-treeline or open exposure near the summit that frames views of the surrounding Presidential and Montalban Ridge landscapes. The relatively remote location means lighter foot traffic compared to nearby 4,000-footers, making it a worthwhile objective for hikers seeking a quieter, more adventurous experience while working through the 52 WAV list.
Elevation
3,463 ft
Range
Montalban Ridge
Difficulty
Difficult
Coordinates
44.1551, -71.3184
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