Shaka from Glen Boulder above Pinkham Notch!
Glen Boulder
(3,700ft)
Trail: Glen Boulder
Elevation Gain: 1,750 feet
Mile: 3.2 roundtrip
Duration: 3hrs, 20 minutes (includes stop along the trail
and at the boulder)
Difficulty: Easy to moderately strenuous
Danger: Low to High (there are several water crossings,
very slippery rocks, steep section, exposed rock scrambling, loose rocks along trail)
I almost didn't leave my house today because it was
raining over it! LOL!
But I figured I’d just drive up north and check it out
anyways. And I might as well since I was already packed. As I headed to North
Conway, the skies gave way to sunshine and fluffy white clouds. I couldn’t
believe how clear it was - weatherman wrong again! As I passed the Glen Ellis
Falls trailhead I looked up and got a good view of the Glen Boulder and decided
to give it a go. I had been curious about this glacial erratic for some time
and wanted to see what it was all about. This would be a perfect short, steep hike to get in some rock scrambling and catch some good views. I
banged a ‘u’ and pulled into the parking lot, almost full but with most folks
heading to the Glen Ellis Falls.
Heading up the trail I was glad it wasn’t humid. I
stopped often to take photos and to admire the trail below treeline. This may
well be the trail I’d be traveling to summit Mt. Isolation one day. Not too many folks on the trail as I made my
way up. But once I got to the boulder, others started showing up. I spent about
40 minutes at the boulder eating lunch and taking photos and chatting with
folks also eating their lunches at the boulder. On my way back down to the
trailhead I passed more folks on their way up including a family of 4 with no
hiking gear and lugging a gallon of Market Basket spring water. Near the
trailhead it started to get really humid and sticky which momentarily annoyed
me. But once I got to the trailhead and out from under the trees, it was less
humid. So glad I finally made the hike to Glen Boulder…..a good day for it, I’d
say!
**After my hike to the Glen Boulder, I decide to stop by the Iron Mountain trailhead just to make certain I could find it as I was planning to hike it in another week. Near the trailhead and at the fork, I had taken the wrong turn onto FR 325 instead of FR 119. So when I got to the end of FR 325, I turned around. Back at the fork, I was just about to turn onto FR 119 and a large black bear came running out of the woods and across the street just 50 feet in front of me! So glad I always carry a can of bear spray!
**After my hike to the Glen Boulder, I decide to stop by the Iron Mountain trailhead just to make certain I could find it as I was planning to hike it in another week. Near the trailhead and at the fork, I had taken the wrong turn onto FR 325 instead of FR 119. So when I got to the end of FR 325, I turned around. Back at the fork, I was just about to turn onto FR 119 and a large black bear came running out of the woods and across the street just 50 feet in front of me! So glad I always carry a can of bear spray!
Enjoy some photos taken on my hike to the Glen Boulder!
Along the Glen Boulder Trail
There are several beautiful waterfalls along this trail.
But I stopped at this one to try out my waterproof camera.
This "display model" cost me $30. I stuck it under water and it works!
Yay, the Alpine Zone, finally!! This is the part the trail leaves the trees and
climbs over open rocks. The photo on the right shows a section of rock that
might be a tad sketchy for those afraid of heights or not used to scrambling.
Yay, more rock scrambling!
Sitting behind the boulder overlooking Pinkham Notch.
Looking towards Gulf of Slides, Tuckerman & Huntington Ravines
Looking up at the open ridge crest from the boulder
Route 16 from Glen Boulder
Looking back down the Glen Boulder Trail
The Wildcats
A little better view of the Gulf of Slides
My chocolate zucchini cupcake
Side of the boulder that faces the Pinkham Notch