Old Bridle Path to Lafayette Peak, and down the Greenleaf

Chris Rycroft

Lafayette bus to NH,
Basin-Echo bus from NH

landmark	elev	dist	time
Lafayette lot	1780	0mi	11:00am
rock steps on Bridle	3020	1.6mi	12:25
Greenleaf Hut	4220	2.9mi	1:40
lunch			2:40
Lafayette?	5260	+1.1mi	+1.2hr one-way
back at Hut	4220		3:30
Eagle Pass	2980	4.1mi	4:40
Cannon Mtn. Tramway	1980	5.6mi	6:00pm

This trail can be smooth sailing with great views or a real challenge, depending on how badly you want to get to the top of Lafayette. The beginning on Bridle path is a steady ascent, getting steep about a mile in and staying that way. Rush on up, but don't miss the ravine-side views and take a chance to rest: At 1.6mi. it makes a sharp left turn with rock steps at the edge of the ravine, where there is a glimpse of Mt. Lincoln through the threes, then turns right and soon gains the ridge. At 1.9mi. the first of the spectacular outlooks from the brink of the ravine is reached, and several more are passed in the next 0.1mi. The trail then begins to ascend the steep part of the ridge, sometimes called Agony Ridge, a name originated by hut people who had to pack heavy loads up this steep section. At 2.4mi. there is an unmarked side path that diverges right, passes two fine outlooks, and rejoins the main trail 40yd. above the lower junction.

At Greenleaf Hut, you can hang out and rest, or try your luck at Mt. Lafayette. You have nearly two hours for "lunch", but that's not supposed to be enough time to get all the way to the top. Set your turnback time depending on your progress; the views can be amazing even part way up the ridge.

Greenleaf trail is a steep descent, but the cliffs and lakes are worth taking time to appreciate. It's not called the "Lafayette Brook Scenic Area" for nothing. Be sure to leave the time you need for this sometimes technical descent.

Above timberline

Please use special care above timberline. Extreme weather and a short growing season make the vegetation in these areas especially fragile. Mere footsteps can destroy the toughest natural cover, so please try to stay on the trail or walk on rocks.

Above timberline, the trail is marked sometimes by paint, but sometimes only by piles of rocks called "cairns". In the event of a storm, take cover, and especially stay low in the event of electrical activity. For this trail, if the weather is bad, turn back. Even in relatively good weather, it is often very windy, rainy, and cold above the timberline. A windbreaker or jacket is indispensible, and a hat useful. Consider wearing (or at least carrying) wool or synthetic clothing, as cotton dries slowly and can drain a lot of body heat.