Trip report from hiking Mount Field.
Mount Field ranks number 23 on the New Hampshire 48 4,000 footers list, at an elevation of 4,340 ft. Mount Field has a vertical prominence of 1,681 ft and peak isolation of 4.9 miles. Mt. Eisenhower is the next highest peak.
This hike is a part of the Mount Willey Range traverse, and I completed it the same day as my hike of Mount Willey. The hike toward Mount Field started from the summit of Mount Willey.
The main push on this hike was up onto Mount Willey, but the hike from Willey to Mount Field was a good one with trail conditions ranging from gentle to snowpack and the typical exposed routes and rocks.
Looking Back At Mount Willey
If you don’t know already, it’s worth noting that none of them have views from the summit of the three summits on this traverse. Mount Willey has an overlook near the summit, and Mount Field has a small clearing with a limited view, and Mount Tom’s summit is literally a small clearing in the forest with a cairn marking the top.
There are views to be had between the peaks, and I like it when I can look back and see the previous one en route to the next.
Other Views From The Willey Range Trail
Not far from where I took the picture shown above, looking back at Willey, a semi obstructed overlook provided a nice photo-op.
Summiting Mount Field
The final ascent up Mt Field was not a strenuous hike, but some spots required thoughtful foot placement hoisting yourself up and overexposed rocks and boulders.
When you reach the top of Mount Field, it is basically an intersection of trails with a medium-sized cairn located off to the side. A small trail looks east; if you follow that down about 50 yards, you do get a small overlook. The view looks over at Mount Washington; if you look closely, you can see the Mount Washington Hotel down in the valley.
Final Thoughts Hiking Mount Field
Mount Field is a hike that I probably would not have sought out if not for the fact it’s on the New Hampshire 48 4,000 footers list. As a traverse, combined with Mount Willey and Mount Tom, it makes for a good afternoon of hiking, and I met some great folks.
From a technical standpoint, the Range is not going to leave a lasting impression in your mind. The views were decent when they were available. This hike, for me, was about ticking off summits from the NH 48 4kers list and an opportunity to get my conditioning for larger, more complicated hikes I have planned for later in the summer.
