Alone on the summit of Isolation… does that mean solitude? And if not, why?
Mt Isolation
7 posts
Mt Isolation is tough. The trail itself isn’t hard, per se, but there’s a lot of mileage, and in the warmer months, there’s a few tough water crossings. In the winter, there’s a bushwhack. And did I mention miles? But it’s an amazing summit with stellar views of Mt Washington. It’ll steal your breath away!
My first time summiting Mt Isolation, I returned via the bushwhack, and was instantly smitten by the birch glades. Of course, I had to return…
Most people hike Mt Isolation from the east, crossing Rocky Branch half a dozen times. But what about the west side, by the Dry River Trail?
On the summit, Mt Isolation feels just that. But on the way up, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking views that more than make up for the difficulty of the hike.
Isolated. Except it isn’t, really. But it is. Mt Isolation, Pinkham’s Grant, NH. 2018-04-12. (Thursday) Via Rocky Branch trail, Isolation trail, and Davis Path. Approx 14.5 miles. 35 dF +/- at the trailhead, 46 dF at the summit, with negligible winds. Partly cloudy becoming outright cloudy. Trailhead: 0830; Summit: 1410; back at car: 1730. (9 hours.) Second time was the charm. Last time I attempted Isolation, I was rebuffed, but […]
Mt Isolation, Sargent’s Purchase, NH 2018-04-09. For what is just barely a four thousand-footer, this was unexpectedly interesting. First, for not having made the summit, I’m remarkably sanguine. Anger, disappointment, frustration… those are the last things on my mind right now. They were the last things on my mind when I turned around. Probably the biggest thing on my mind was what a great day I was having, just tramping […]