Crest Trail (#25)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

This is the Crest Trail (#25) in the White Mountain Wilderness from end to end, starting just below Nogal and ending at the Monjeau Trailhead. Much of the trail is above treeline with panoramic views in all directions.

The trail is easy to follow (after the snow melts). The first half is relatively flat, with moderate climbs and drops as the trail crosses from one drainage to another. At Bonito Spring, the trail climbs steeply up the flank of White Horse Hill and continues to climb until it turns east toward Monjeau Peak. The trail from Buck Mountain to Monjeau crosses through forest burned off in the 2012 Little Bear Fire.

Although this is doable as a day-run, spreading the run over two or three days will make it more manageable. There are many excellent campsites just off the trail.