FKT: Kyle Andrews - Carter Moriah Range Traverse (NH) - 2025-09-02

On Tuesday September 2, 2025 I revisited my favorite and least favorite route in the White Mountains. The Moriah Carter Wildcat Yo-Yo.

I first completed this route in July 2024 in a time of 17 hours 20 minutes. In May of this year, I saw that Tim Lachance went out and took over 2 hours off my original time (major respect to him for what he did). I knew I had to get it back. Never did I expect to be able to take almost 3 hours off his time, over 5 hours off my original time.

I began my solo, unsupported adventure in darkness at 4:29am at the Carter Moriah Trailhead. I made sure I was well-equipped for this day, last year I definitely did not bring enough food. I had 2 liters of water in a bladder, 700ml of coconut water in a bottle, 300ml of maple syrup in a soft flask, a protein shake, 2 electrolyte packets, 4 clif bars, 2 rx bars, 4 packets of peanut butter, 1 bag of dates, 1 bag of almonds, 1 bag of chocolate raisins, 1 bag of banana chips, 1 bag of beef jerky. I tried to eat every hour but eventually fell behind.

Also in my running vest I had a light windbreaker and gloves just in case it got cold. I did not wear a shirt, and kept my headlamp strapped to my head the whole time.

I have been living and training in the White Mountains for several months, and this has really helped skyrocket my fitness. I knew I was faster and stronger than before and I had confidence that I could do this. 

Less than 3 miles in, I tripped on a root and ripped a hole in the top of my shoe which would progressively get worse throughout the day. I summited Moriah in 1h18m, seeing the beginnings of sunrise on the horizon. I hurried down the ridge, past Imp Campsite, and up to North Carter at 2h23m, Middle Carter at 2h37m, and South Carter at 2h55m. I was making insanely good time. 

Down through Zeta Pass and up to Mt Hight at 3h22m, I took a quick stop to appreciate the view, and continued to Carter Dome at 3h36m. I consider Carter Dome to be an important checkpoint in this double traverse. When you are standing here the first time, the hard part is just beginning. When you are standing here the second time, the hard part is mostly over.

A steep descent to Carrer Notch Hut and a quick refill of my water bottle at 3h56m. I still had enough water in the bladder. I struggled a bit going up Wildcat A (4h23m) but then felt really good and cruised over the ridge to Wildcat D at 4h54m.

Now comes the crux of the whole route. The incredibly steep descent and re-ascent of the Wildcat Ridge Trail. Where hopes and dreams get crushed in a tangled mass of boulders. I made it down to the Ellis River and Route 16 at 5h33m, an incredible time for the first traverse. I was so proud of myself. My knees and back were feeling sore.

I chugged my protein shake and refilled my water bottle in the river (unfiltered) and dumped electrolytes in it. I took a moment of gratitude before turning around, knowing that the real challenges were still ahead of me. I steadily ascended the 2000+ vertical feet of Wildcat Ridge, eating banana chips and beef jerky and blasting music in my headphones the whole time. I hit a major mental low point here.

Made it back to Wildcat D at 6h38m, then hurried over to Wildcat A at 7h19m. On the descent back down to the hut, my left knee was starting to hurt but there was nothing I could do but keep going. Completely empty of water, I refilled my bottle and bladder at the hut as quickly as possible at 7h36m.

I put my head down and pushed up to Carter Dome at 8h20m, Mt Hight at 8h35m. I knew the hardest part was behind me, but looking out at the rest of the Carter Range with Mt Moriah looming in the far distance was soul crushing. All I knew was I had to keep pushing.

South Carter at 9h1m, Middle Carter at 9h24m, North Carter at 9h42m. It became hard to eat any food, my pace was slowing, it was hard to get myself to run.

The ascent up Moriah was more soul crushing than ever. Another mental low point. I sipped the last of my maple syrup which was the only thing I could stomach at that point. I felt profoundly miserable and wondered why anybody would ever want to do something like this. Luckily I physically handled the climb well and it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

At 11h3m I was back at the summit of Moriah. I sat down for the first time that day and chatted with a thru hiker for about 5 minutes (shoutout to Smooth Rock). I knew it was costing me time but this short human interaction was much needed after rushing past everyone on trail the whole day.

With music in my headphones, I went as fast as I could down the Carter Moriah Trail, but was limited by my sore knees and overall fatigue from the day. It would have been great to get under 12 hours, but I was very satisfied with the time I put in. Arrived to the trailhead, exhausted, at 12 hours 7 minutes.

This is a brutal and beautiful adventure. I'm so happy to have put in a more competitive time. Still wrapping my head around the fact that I went out there again. I have such a deep love and appreciation for this route and these mountains.