Hi Taylor,

Well, good on you guys for all sticking with this annual tradition for so long, and you for organizing this one.

While the Presidential Range traverse is a similar distance as what you did in the Grand Canyon (and I’ve done both multiple times), I think the Pressies are a harder hike, with significantly more elevation gain and loss and, more importantly, quite rocky and rugged trail almost the entire way. People run parts or all of the Grand Canyon’s corridor trails (South and North Kaibab and Bright Angel, which I’ve done), but running across the Presidentials is all but impossible most of the distance because the trails are so constantly and severely rocky. I say that only to illustrate why you should plan on your hiking pace being slower than you experienced in the canyon.

If you guys can do that canyon dayhike, you can do the Presidentials traverse. But if you found the canyon hike hard, plan to train harder for the Pressies. And I definitely recommend an early start. One factor in that decision may be how you’ll shuttle between the north and south ends of the hike, as well as how late you are okay with finishing (bring headlamps and warm layers). There’s info about shuttles and other resources in the trip-planning tips at the bottom of this story, which requires a paid subscription The Big Outside to read in full, and that gives you full access to all of my blog’s stories.

September to around mid-October is the best time of year for this hike. The peak of foliage varies year to year and often arrives in early October in the Whites. There are many lodging options in towns in this area of the Whites (North Conway, Jackson, Gorham, others) and good places to eat.

I hope this helps and that you guys decide to go for it and are prepared for a really tough hike, because it’s a great day.

Good luck and thanks for the questions.

I’ve been elected as party planner for a 20th trip I take annually with my buddies from college. We average about 10 guys. We are all early 40’s and in pretty good shape. About 6 years ago we did the Grand Canyon in and out in a day, around 19 or so miles (South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel).

Speaking specifically to the Presidential Death March:

Do you think the hike is doable in a day for the group?

Would like to do it in late September to take advantage of the foliage. I realize the weather can be a wild card but do you think that’s a bad idea?

Where did you stay day before?

Is it a must to get going so early? It won’t bother me but I can see some of the guys whining about it.

Any transportation recommendations?

Any other resources or folks you would recommend I talk to?

Thanks!