10/3/07
Stairs Mountain 3463'

9 Miles 2300' Elevation gain

Kevin, Judy and Emma

Another place on our, "We have to go there someday." list was Stairs Mountain or "The Giant's Stairs".We finally checked this one off our list. We took the easy way out by climbing from the southeast along the Rocky Branch Trail for two very flat miles to Rocky Branch Shelter #1, then ascending the Stairs Col Trail until it reaches the Davis Path in the col between Mount Resolution and Stairs Mountain. Stairs Col Trail starts out moderately then gains a lot of elevation later along as it rises to the col. From there we took the Davis Path north four tenths of a mile to the spur path to the summit of Stairs Mountain. Even this short section rises 400', so it too was a typical White Mountain jaunt. The spur Path is pretty level, but continues on a few tenths to the outlook on the top cliff. The weather was not very cooperative and while we were plenty warm enough on the protected east side of the mountain we found ourselves in a stiff, cold wind on the exposed ledges. Stepping back into the trees we were out of the wind enough to sit down and enjoy our lunch. The sun tried to peek out a few times, but never came out enough to warm things up. The wind seemed to blow down through Crawford Notch and gain momentum as it whipped around the summit of Stairs and through the col between mountains. As we descended from the col we again got below the wind's path and were quite comfortable on the trip out. I should like to return, perhaps to camp, on a more hospitable day. Our views were limited due to the weather and the wind made a long stay on the summit sort of out of the question. shame on me for not being better prepared for the weather. The day before I had lugged gear to the summit of the Percy's and not needed it, and foolishly left my pullover and windbreaker in the car on this day. I'm not sure I would have stayed much longer anyway because of the conditions, but they would have made what time we did spend there more comfortable. On the way out we made a second visit to the Rocky Branch Shelter #1 and spent some time by the river. I may be wrong, but it seems like an under utilized place to stay, and extremely easy to get to. The two miles in only gain 300' to the shelter. The trail very much reminds me of the detestable Wilderness Trail, but more pleasant in that it is deserted and does not have the annoying railroad ties. This was a nice hike and much easier than the hike along the Davis Path over Mount Crawford. Nothing against Mount Crawford, I very much like that hike, too, but we were supposed to be taking it easy this week, even though we hiked every day.