What are the main hiking routes to Mount Monroe?

The main routes to Mount Monroe include: Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail & Crawford Path, Mount Monroe Loop - from Lakes of the Clouds..

How difficult is hiking Mount Monroe?

Mount Monroe is rated as Difficult difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Mount Monroe?

Typically, hiking Mount Monroe takes 5–6 hours - via Ammonoosuc round-trip, including Washington side-trip..

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Mount Monroe

Mount Monroe is a 5,384-foot mountain in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains.

Prominence: 254 ft Range: Presidential Range

Elevation: 5,384 ft

Mount Monroe ridge in White Mountains at sunset with rocky terrain and alpine vegetation — Mount Monroe stands bathed in the warm hues of a summer sunset, its rocky ridge and alpine zone illuminated softly. The rugged granite ledges and sparse vegetation typical of the White Mountains create a serene landscape in the heart of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range.

Mount Monroe summit with rocky ledges and distant mountain ridges under blue sky — A crisp fall afternoon scene from the summit of Mount Monroe reveals granite ledges and alpine zone vegetation under a partly cloudy sky. The rugged Presidential Range stretches across the horizon within New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest.

Stone cairns along rocky trail on Mount Monroe with fall colors and clouds — A rugged alpine trail lined with granite ledges and cairns winds across the summit zone of Mount Monroe, framed by a vibrant fall landscape in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Puffy clouds drift against a bright blue sky over the Presidential Range.

Mount Monroe summit with light snow and rocky alpine terrain under cloudy sky — A late October afternoon captures Mount Monroe dusted with early snow, highlighting granite ledges and alpine terrain in the White Mountain National Forest. The rugged Presidential Range stands under an overcast sky, with the summit hut visible amid the rocky ridge line.

Snowy granite slopes of Mount Monroe with distant blue mountain ridges under clear winter sky — A vast winter landscape unfolds across Mount Monroe's rugged granite ledges, blanketed in fresh snow under a crisp afternoon sky. The Presidential Range in New Hampshire reveals its alpine zone and ridge line, showcasing the stark beauty of the White Mountain National Forest.

Mount Monroe Alpine tarn reflecting snow-dusted slopes under overcast sky in the Presidential Range near Mount Flume, White Mountains — A peaceful alpine tarn reflects the frosted slopes and low clouds in the Presidential Range, captured on a fall day with fresh light snow dusting rocks and treetops. The trail-side scene shows autumnal alpine vegetation transitioning to early winter conditions with muted overcast light enhancing the texture of stone and sparse greenery.

Mount Monroe Close-up of rugged alpine rocks with frost and light snow under foggy overcast fall light in the White Mountains — Close-up view of frost and thin ice formations on rugged rocks in the White Mountains' Presidential Range, captured during a foggy fall afternoon. The scene shows jagged rocks dusted with light snow and frost under diffused soft light, conveying the quiet cold of early alpine winter conditions on a hike near Mount Washington and Mount Monroe.

Mount Monroe A peaceful mountain tarn bordered by rocky terrain with a light dusting of snow under a gray cloudy sky in the White Mountains — This image captures a calm mountain tarn surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain lightly dusted with early snow. The scene is under an overcast sky with soft light filtering through clouds, highlighting winter's arrival in the White Mountains' Presidential Range near the Mount Washington and Mount Monroe area.

Mount Monroe Rock cairns beside a rocky alpine hiking trail with distant mountain ridges and a partly cloudy blue sky on the Presidential Traverse in the White Mountains during summer — A rugged alpine trail winds through rocky terrain marked by rock cairns under partly cloudy skies during a summer afternoon on the Presidential Traverse in the White Mountains.

Mount Monroe Rocky hiking trail descending a mountain ridge with rocky ground and reddish grasses under partly cloudy summer skies, overlooking distant forested valleys in the White Mountains — A rocky, rugged hiking trail descending a mountain ridge under a partly cloudy sky in summer. The foreground shows uneven stones and patches of reddish grasses, with distant forested hills and blue sky peeking through clouds. This image captures the expansive landscape and atmospheric weather typical of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Mount Monroe Rocky mountain trail with green grass and fog obscuring rocky ridges by a wooden trail sign in the White Mountains — A foggy atmospheric photo capturing a rugged alpine trail with scattered rocks and grassy patches in the Presidential Range, near Mount Jefferson, New Hampshire. The mist cloaks the rocky ridges and a trail sign, evoking the quiet stillness of a summer day in the high mountains.

Mount Monroe Wooden trail signpost in fog on rocky terrain pointing to Mount Washington, Lake of the Clouds Hut, and other destinations in the Presidential Range — A wooden trail signpost stands amidst thick fog on a rocky ridge in the Presidential Range during summer 2025. The signs indicate directions to Mount Washington, Lake of the Clouds Hut, Madison Hut, Sphinx Trail, and Great Gulf Trail. The granite terrain and mist create a moody atmosphere typical of high elevation weather in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Mount Monroe Mossy rock cairn on ridge edge surrounded by dense fog — A delicately stacked cairn on a moss-covered rock juts out into thick mist along the Caps Ridge hike in the Presidential Range, captured on a cool, foggy summer day with subdued light and dense atmosphere.

Mount Monroe Close-up of green alpine shrubs with small pink flowers and mossy rocks on a cloudy summer day — A macro photograph capturing vibrant alpine shrubs and tiny pink flowers growing amid rocky terrain and moss in the Presidential Range during summer. The green leaves glisten softly under diffused daylight conditions typical of a cloudy day.

Rocky Alpine Basin and Mountain Hut from Mount Monroe poster — Mount Monroe's open tundra slopes descend into a rocky basin containing a small mountain hut.

Mountain Overview

Mount Monroe is a 5,384-foot mountain in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. Located just southwest of Mount Washington, it is the fourth-highest 4,000-footer in New Hampshire. The peak is named after James Monroe, the fifth U.S. President. Mount Monroe has a sharp, rocky summit and offers 360-degree views, including a close perspective of the Lakes of the Clouds and the southern Presidential peaks. Mount Monroe is the fourth-highest 4,000-footer in New Hampshire, located just southwest of Mount Washington. The peak is named after James Monroe, fifth U.S. President, and it was so designated by the 1820 explorers (Monroe was the sitting president at the time). Interestingly, due to a surveying mistake, Mount Monroe is actually about 20 feet taller than Mount Madison (named for the 4th President), disrupting the intended height-order correlation of presidential names. Mount Monroe has a sharp, rocky summit and offers 360-degree views, including a close perspective of the Lakes of the Clouds tarns and the southern Presidential peaks. In 1915 the Lakes of the Clouds Hut was built on its shoulder, and it has provided refuge to hikers for over a century. Monroe’s alpine zone and proximity to Mount Washington have made it a witness to many historical mountain events, from early scientific observatory work to the famous 1908 auto road races on nearby slopes.

General Info

Elevation

5,384 ft

Prominence

254 ft

Range

Presidential Range

Trail Type

Out & back - common. or loop with connector trails

Difficulty

Difficult

Exposure

High - very exposed to wind, rapid weather shifts.

Typical Time

5–6 hours - via Ammonoosuc round-trip, including Washington side-trip.

Best seasons

Summer and fall - often combined with Mt. Washington.

Water availability

Yes - Lakes of the Clouds Hut at base of summit has water in season.

Cell reception

Spotty - possible near summit and hut; unreliable.

First Photo & Camera

Mountain

Mount Monroe

Photo

Evening Glow on Mount Monroe Ridge

Description

Captured in the fading light of a summer evening, this landscape photography showcases Mount Monroe’s distinctive granite ledges and rugged summit ridge within the White Mountain National Forest. The scene highlights the alpine zone’s sparse greenery and the winding forest trail leading to the peak, embodying the tranquil beauty of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range at dusk.

Dimensions

4480 x 2987

Credit

Static map preview

Mount Monroe: summit area with linked trail context.

Summit: 44.2554, -71.3215

Trails: Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Crawford Path, Mount Monroe Loop, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail & Crawford Path

NOAA / NWS Updated Tue, Sep 15, 2:16 AM EDT

36°F

Clear Gorham, NH point forecast

Wind15 mph N

Gusts15 mph

Precip0%

Humidity96%

MWOBS Higher Summits ForecastOfficial higher-summit outlook for exposed White Mountain terrain

5-Day Forecast

NOAA / NWS day and night periods near this summit point.

Tue

54°F / 43°F

Mostly Clear

Wed

62°F / 49°F

Mostly Sunny

Thu

58°F / 50°F

Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers

Fri

54°F / 41°F

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

Sat

51°F / 43°F

Chance Rain Showers

Forecast Snapshots

Choose 1-hour snapshots or 15-minute checkpoints from the NOAA hourly forecast.

CadenceTime

Tue 2:00 AM

Clear

Temp36°F

Wind15 mph N

Gusts15 mph

Precip0%

Humidity96%

NOAA hourly forecast period

Primary NOAA point forecast coverage is available for this summit location.

USNOGenerated Tue, Sep 15, 2:31 AM EDT

Sunrise6:24 AM Daylight Length12h 32m Sunset6:56 PM

Sunrise

6:24 AM EDT

Sunset

6:56 PM EDT

Moonrise

11:32 AM EDT

Moonset

8:38 PM EDT

Moon phase

Waxing Crescent

22% illuminated

USNO astronomy is available for this summit.

High-summit climate profile

1991-2020 Mount Washington climate normals. Daylight is calculated at South Twin Mountain.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

0 / 3

Sources & method

Climate reference: Mount Washington, NH US · 6267 ft · 1991-2020

Solar reference: South Twin Mountain · 2026

Wind is not displayed: January hourly coverage is below the 80% threshold.

NOAA/NCEI · U.S. Climate Normals, Monthly 1991-2020 NOAA/NCEI · Global Hourly U.S. Naval Observatory · Complete Sun and Moon Data for One Day

Climatology describes typical conditions, not a forecast.

Drainage context only, not a crossing safety decision. 2 linked water references; expand a row for sources and notes.

Route note: Yes - Lakes of the Clouds Hut at base of summit has water in season.

Ellis River USGS historical • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationELLIS RIVER NEAR JACKSON, NH • 01064300

USGS Historical

Useful Ellis River context for Glen Ellis, Wildcat, Carter Notch, and lower Pinkham approaches when drainages are running high.

Nearby live proxy: SACO RIVER AT RIVER STREET, AT BARTLETT, NH • Peabody River at Gorham, New Hampshire

Official source

Ammonoosuc River @ Bretton WOODS USGS historical • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationAMMONOOSUC R @ BRETTON WOODS, NR TWIN MOUNTAIN, NH • 01136500

USGS Historical

Ammonoosuc west-side context for the Presidential Range, Crawford Notch, and Bretton Woods approaches.

Nearby live proxy: AMMONOOSUC RIVER AT BETHLEHEM JUNCTION, NH • SACO RIVER AT RIVER STREET, AT BARTLETT, NH

Official source

Treat rising, stale, modeled, or missing readings conservatively.

Trail gradeGentle0–8%Moderate8–15%Steep15–25%Very steep25%+

Mount Eisenhower → Mount Monroe2.04 mi Mount Monroe → Mount Washington1.75 mi

Route order: Mount Eisenhower → Mount Monroe → Mount Washington

Hover, touch, or use arrow keys for exact distance, terrain elevation, and grade. Terrain: 1 m USGS S1M DEM (NAVD88); summits: official NH48 elevations.

Mount WashingtonConnected trailsClosest trail link

Trail: 1.75 mi
Gain: +1,300 ft
Loss: −362 ft
Time: 1 h 14 min

Summit-to-summit route

Mount Monroe Mount Washington

Via Mount Monroe Loop / Crawford Path / Gulfside Trail / Trinity Heights Connector

1.38 mi straight-line • low point 5,015 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Mount Monroe 5,343 ftcol / low point 5,015 ftMount Washington 6,284 ft

Mount EisenhowerConnected trails

Trail: 2.05 mi
Gain: +471 ft
Loss: −1,057 ft
Time: 55 min

Summit-to-summit route

Mount Monroe Mount Eisenhower

Via Mount Eisenhower Loop / Crawford Path / Mount Monroe Loop

1.74 mi straight-line • low point 4,409 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Mount Monroe 5,343 ftcol / low point 4,409 ftMount Eisenhower 4,758 ft

Mount PierceConnected trailsAdditional direct connection

Trail: 3.43 mi
Gain: +501 ft
Loss: −1,540 ft
Time: 1 h 24 min

Summit-to-summit route

Mount Monroe Mount Pierce

Via Mount Monroe Loop / Crawford Path / Webster Cliff Trail

2.92 mi straight-line • low point 4,055 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Mount Monroe 5,343 ftcol / low point 4,055 ftMount Pierce 4,308 ft

Mount JeffersonConnected trailsAdditional direct connection

Trail: 4.06 mi
Gain: +1,477 ft
Loss: −1,109 ft
Time: 2 h 5 min

Summit-to-summit route

Mount Monroe Mount Jefferson

Via Caps Ridge Trail / Jefferson Loop Trail / Gulfside Trail / WESTSIDE / Crawford Path / Mount Monroe Loop

3.38 mi straight-line • low point 4,956 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Mount Monroe 5,343 ftcol / low point 4,956 ftMount Jefferson 5,712 ft

Mount IsolationConnected trailsAdditional direct connection

Trail: 4.86 mi
Gain: +902 ft
Loss: −2,241 ft
Time: 2 h 4 min

Summit-to-summit route

Mount Monroe Mount Isolation

Via Davis Path Spur B / DAVIS PATH SPUR A / Davis Path / CAMEL / Crawford Path / Mount Monroe Loop

2.87 mi straight-line • low point 3,751 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Mount Monroe 5,343 ftcol / low point 3,751 ftMount Isolation 4,002 ft

Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead - Base Station Road.

Trailhead parking

Parking at Marshfield Station/Cog Base parking area - fee may apply.

Trailhead

Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead - Base Station Road.

Capacity

40 vehicles (est.)

No WMNF seasonal road listing

Primary trailheads are linked, but no WMNF seasonal access-road dependency is currently linked to this route. This is common for state highways, AMC lots, ski-area lots, or year-round paved road access.

Verify official sources and posted signs before driving to a trailhead.

Technical difficulty (1-10)

Physical effort (1-10)

Difficulty class

Difficult

Typical completion time

5–6 hours - via Ammonoosuc round-trip, including Washington side-trip.

Risk factors

Above treeline exposure, Severe weather, Navigation, No cell service

Preparation notes

Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases. Download offline maps and do not rely on cell service; leave a plan with someone.

Bailout distance

0 mi

Weather exposure

High - very exposed to wind, rapid weather shifts.

Field planning note

Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail & Crawford Path - 7.0 - 2,900 - Difficult - Out & back - or loop via Jewel Trail. Yes - Lakes of the Clouds Hut at base of summit has water in season. Parking at Marshfield Station/Cog Base parking area - fee may apply.

Water availability

Yes - Lakes of the Clouds Hut at base of summit has water in season.

Cell reception

Spotty - possible near summit and hut; unreliable.

Best seasons

Summer and fall - often combined with Mt. Washington.

Terrain

Rocky alpine terrain; steep ascent from hut over talus

Scramble sections

Minor - rocky steps on summit cone, hands occasionally needed.

View type

360° - open alpine summit, panoramic views.

Summit marker

Small cairn on open rock - no sign.

Flora / environment

Boreal spruce-fir transitioning quickly to alpine tundra near hut and summit

Mount Monroe Route & Conditions

Route

Mount Monroe's standard hiking options include Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail & Crawford Path at 7 miles with 2,900 feet of gain and Mount Monroe Loop - from Lakes of the Clouds at 0.7 miles with 350 feet of gain. A typical completion time is 5–6 hours - via Ammonoosuc round-trip, including Washington side-trip.

Terrain and exposure

This is a difficult Presidential Range hike. Expect rocky alpine terrain; steep ascent from hut over talus. Scrambling is minor, with rocky steps on summit cone, hands occasionally needed. Upper-mountain terrain includes boreal spruce-fir transitioning quickly to alpine tundra near hut and summit and 360°, open alpine summit, panoramic views. Weather and exposure are defining planning concerns here: high, very exposed to wind, rapid weather shifts.

Weather window

The best normal hiking window is summer and fall, often combined with Mt. Washington. In September, average summit conditions are about 43 F. Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases.

Water, signal, and bailout

Water is available: lakes of the Clouds Hut at base of summit has water in season. Cell reception is spotty, possible near summit and hut; unreliable. Bailout options include Lakes of the Clouds Hut shelter just north of peak and descend via Ammonoosuc Ravine trail to base. Nearby live water context is available from Ellis River and Ammonoosuc River at Bretton Woods.

Trailhead and access

The most common trailhead is Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead (Base Road), with room for about 40 vehicles. Parking at Marshfield Station/Cog Base parking area - fee may apply. Other linked starts include Dry River Trailhead (Crawford Notch SP) and Edmands Path Trailhead.

Connected route context

Major linked trails include Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Crawford Path, and Mount Monroe Loop. Nearby 4,000-footer connections include Mount Washington, Mount Eisenhower, Mount Pierce, and Mount Jefferson, and 1 more.

Mount Monroe

Area Map

Trails