Monday, August 16, 2021

[VAULT] Sandwich Dome & Jennings Peak (White Mountain National Forest)

Sandwich Dome & Jennings Peak (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Upside-down Lollipop Loop
Distance: 8.3 miles
Elevation: 2,743 feet
Time: Unknown
Hiking Challenges: 52 With-a-View


The Hike
Hike #1 for the day! The plan is to hike Jennings Peak and Sandwich Dome (or Sandwich Mountain, I guess it has two names?), and then drive over to hit Mt. Potash as well. I started my hike soon after sunrise on the Sandwich Mountain Trail, which starts steeply climbing right away, soon entering the Sandwich Range Wilderness. The first reward after a tough climb is Noon Peak, which provied a nice view toward the Tripyramids. Continuing on, I then reached the 0.2 mi. spur path to Jennings Peak, which also had some beautiful views, including up to Sandwich Dome.

From Jennings Peak, the Sandwich Mountain Trail eased for a bit before a final steeper push up to the summit and view, which I remember being partailly obstructed by trees (I've heard that in the past couple of years some locals have cut down some obstructing trees, though). I do remember there being a TON of flies up here, so I did not stay long.

My return trip started down the Sandwich Mountain Trail, eventually turning onto Drakes Brook Trail, which initially descended via a few switchbacks before easily leveling out for a smooth final descent. The trail mostly paralleled the Drakes Brook, which was beautiful. I remember passing a couple of hikers who were heading up just as I was finishing up - the first people I'd seen all day - and they were surprised to see me descending and impressed I was already finishing up my hike. That was particularly excellent for my ego!

Step-By-Step
- Start hike on Sandwich Mountain Trail
- At jct., follow spur to Jennings Peak.
- Continue along Sandwich Mountain Trail to summit.
- At summit, turn around.
- At third jct., turn right onto Drakes Brook Trail.
- Follow Drakes Brook Trail back to car.

Originally written and posted Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 at 8:03am.

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