Mount Clay (Caps Ridge Trailhead)

Mount Clay, a prominent subpeak of Mount Washington, offers a relatively moderate yet rewarding hike with stunning views. Standing at 5,533 feet, it sits along the ridge between Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson, providing excellent vistas of the Great Gulf Wilderness, the Northern Presidential Range, and surrounding peaks. The summit of Mount Clay can be reached from the Caps Ridge Trailhead via the Gulfside Trail.

The route follows the Gulfside Trail and offers a mix of rocky terrain, moderate climbing, and exposed ridgelines. For those looking for a more accessible approach to Mount Clay, the 1.2-mile Mt. Clay Loop from the Jewell Trail is an excellent option, though hikers should be prepared for occasional boulder scrambling. On clear days, the summit offers spectacular views, especially into the Great Gulf Wilderness below.

** The Mount Washington area is known for extreme and often dangerous weather. Fatalities are a reality here, so please plan ahead, prepare properly, and always check the weather forecast before your hike.**