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Back to Routes

Lafayette Loop

Difficult
Community Route

Submitted by rock_hopper

8.9 mi • 3,893 ft gain • 5-8 hours • Falling Water

Add TripGPXPro
14°F / Feels 8°F
6 mph SW
ConditionsDangerous
Loop

Today's Conditions

Updated Mar 12, 3:30 PM

Current Weather

14°F

Feels like 8°F

Overcast
6 mph SW · Gusts 13 mph
73% humidity

Recent Precipitation

Rain: 0.03" (24h) · 0.24" (48h)

Snow: 0.2" (24h) · 0.5" (48h)

Elevation Profile & Forecast

5,177 ft
1,798 ft
Trailhead17°/29°F18mphWC 1°
2,664'14°/26°F24mphWC -5°
3,529'10°/23°F32mphWC -13°
4,395'7°/19°F38mphWC -19°
Summit 5,260'4°/17°F42mphWC -24°
Gain:+3,893 ft
0.0 mi4.5 mi8.9 mi

AI Trail Conditions

Dangerous
Mount LafayetteDangerous
Mount LincolnDangerous

Best Hiking Window

No safe window exists Thursday or Thursday night. Friday midday offers a brief potential window as high pressure crests and winds temporarily drop with some clearing possible — however, this window is narrow and short-lived before another storm arrives Friday afternoon with dangerous winds and whiteout conditions. If attempting Friday, plan for an early morning start to summit and descend well before midday, carry full winter emergency gear, and monitor forecasts closely. Saturday and beyond remain unsettled with ongoing snow and cold.

8 hazards identified
10 gear recommendations
Updated 1 day ago
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7-Day Mountain Forecast

Summit-level conditions by time of day at 5,260' elevation

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About Lafayette Loop

The classic Lafayette loop: up falling water, along Franconia Ridge, and down old bridle path past Greenleaf Hut. Note: Descend on Greenleaf Trail from summit of Lafayette to the hut, then Old Bridal Path back to the trailhead.

Distance

8.9 mi

Elevation Gain

3,893 ft

Duration

5-8 hours

Trailhead

Falling Water

Peaks on Route (2)

Mount Lafayette

5,260 ft • Franconia

Mount Lincoln

5,089 ft • Franconia

Route Reviews

5.0 (1 review)
Jonathan  Q.

Jonathan Q.

Jan 17, 2026
Hiked on April 4, 2025

I’ve hiked this route over 50 times in my life. In every month of the year except for December. My favorite time of year to hike this loop - the best day hike east of the Mississippi! - is late winter. The days are a little longer, the snow is well packed, the air is generally clearer, and the views are the most spectacular!

IcySnowyWell MaintainedWet