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4,062 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire

Wildcat D

Wildcat D is a 4,062 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Wildcat Ridge Trail: 8 mi, 3,540 ft of gain, Class 3.

Wildcat D in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Wildcat D at a glance

  • Elevation4,062 ft1,238 m
  • RouteWildcat Ridge TrailClass 3
  • Distance8 mi3,540 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire

Climbing the Wildcat Ridge Trail

From Route 16 across from Pinkham Notch, the Wildcat Ridge Trail climbs very steeply over open ledges to Peak D, where an observation platform gives a stunning view of Tuckerman Ravine and Mount Washington. The lower ledges are exposed Class 2 scrambling, dangerously slick when wet or icy, so many hikers use the gondola that serves Peak D in season. Start early and carry water and layers. Usually combined with Wildcat A along the rugged summit ridge to tick off both peaks in one trip.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (20–30 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Headlamp
  • Power Bank
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects
  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts

Wildcat D on Yak

Climbers have shared 5 climbs of Wildcat D on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

Quests with Wildcat D

Peaks near Wildcat D

  1. Wildcat Mountain

    Wildcat Mountain

    4,422 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Carter Dome

    Carter Dome

    4,832 ft · 2.5 mi away

  3. South Carter Mountain

    South Carter Mountain

    4,430 ft · 3.6 mi away

  4. Mount Washington

    Mount Washington

    6,288 ft · 4.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Wildcat D?

Wildcat D is 4,062 feet (1,238 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.

How does Wildcat D rank among the New England 4,000ers?

At 4,062 feet, Wildcat D is the 50th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to climb Wildcat D?

The Wildcat Ridge Trail is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,540 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Wildcat D?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Wildcat Ridge Trail, covering 8 miles with 3,540 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is Wildcat D dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, fast-changing weather and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

When is the best time to climb Wildcat D?

The usual climbing window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Wildcat D?

The Wildcat Ridge Trail starts at about 2,020 feet, roughly 2,042 feet below the summit.

Climb Wildcat D with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list