Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the Washburn Climb?
Fill out the application available on this website and mail, fax, or email it using the provided contact information. Note: the registration deadline is Friday, April 30.

Are there any requirements to join the Washburn Climb?
Yes. You must be an experienced hiker familiar with all types of terrain and weather conditions; commit to a fundraising goal of at least $2,000 for a double climb or $1,000 for a single climb; be at least 18 years old at the time of registration; and complete all the necessary registration documents.

Climbers agree to abide by the decision of the Museum's representative and volunteer spotters to end the climb early for any reason with regard to safety, and in all other matters during the climb. We also encourage you to join the pre-climb briefing to be held the week before the event and any other climb-related activities.

Is there a rain date?
No. The 2010 Washburn Climb takes place on Monday, July 12 unless the Museum's representative decides the weather conditions are too dangerous for the climb to take place, in which case the climb will be cancelled, not postponed.

How will I know where to check in along the route?
All climbers are given a map marked with the specific check-in locations along the route. These places are staffed by volunteers wearing the official climb t-shirts. They can help you with any questions during the day. All climbers must check in at each volunteer station for safety reasons. The volunteers are stationed at:

  • Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead parking lot, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
  • Lake of the Clouds hut
  • Sherman Adams summit building (refreshments available)
  • Tuckerman's Junction (where the trail intersects with Lions Head)
  • Hermit Lake hut
  • Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch (refreshments available)

I think I'll be too tired to drive home after the climb. Is there any accommodation or transportation?
Double climbers: The Museum provides accommodation for the nights before and after the climb (July 11 - 12). A light breakfast is available at 4:00 a.m. and we provide round-trip transportation between the lodgings and the trailhead (the climb begins at 5:00 a.m.) We also provide round-trip transportation for an evening meal on July 12. We ask that you arrange your own transportation to the lodging on July 11.

Single climbers: We ask that you arrange your own transportation to and from Mount Washington and arrive at the trailhead no later than 9:00 a.m. on July 12. You are very welcome to join the evening meal on July 12; and we will send details closer to the date. If you would like to book your own accommodation at the same lodgings as the double climbers, we are pleased to put you in touch with the proprietor.

Where do hikers stay during the Washburn Climb?
Accommodation varies from year to year depending on availability. We will send details to you prior to the climb.

My family wants to be there at the finish line. Where should they go?
All Washburn Climb activities start and end the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead. A Museum of Science staff member will be there at all times and can let your family know when you are on your final descent.

I would prefer to make a donation rather than fundraise from others. Is that OK?
Yes! The minimum fundraising requirements for each type of climb are set on a "raise from others or donate money yourself" basis. If you would like to donate, simply click on your name on our website, or mail a check noting in the memo line that it is for your 2010 Washburn Climb.

Can I climb with my children?
Participation in the Washburn Climb is limited to adults age 18 and over.

Can I take part in the climb without fundraising?
Yes. We need volunteers to help guide and monitor climbers at set locations across the trails. Mountain first-aid training and hiking leadership skills are required. To apply, download the registration form (PDF) and follow the instructions to send it back to the Museum's annual fund departnment. More information: 617-589-4208, climb@mos.org.

I'd like to volunteer but I don't have a current first-aid certificate. Does that matter?
We select volunteers based on how they best match the requirements of the climb.

If I can't make it all the way, what happens?
Check in with one of our volunteers on the mountain, who can arrange for you to change your climb from a double to a single, or get you down from the mountain by car or the cog railway if necessary. Safety is our priority!

Can I raise more than the minimum set for the single and double climbs?
Of course! The "suggested" fundraising goal is $5,000 per climber, which is higher than either of the minimum amounts.

What happens if I get injured or have to drop out?
If you are injured or have to drop out of the climb before July 12, you are under no obligation to continue raising money for the Museum of Science. However, we will keep any donations that you have raised up to that point. We wish you a speedy recovery and hope that you stay in touch and consider being part of the Washburn Climb next year.

What trails do climbers follow?
Climbers follow the same route and must stay on approved trails at all times. All climbers start and end at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.

Double climbers hike up the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the summit, checking in at the Lake of the Clouds hut on the way, then go down Tuckerman Ravine, past Hermit Lake, to Pinkham Notch. The route is repeated in reverse back to the start of the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.

Single climbers stop at the summit and descend the mountain using the same Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail they used for the ascent.