Mount Isolation Loop

This trip includes a virtual orientation session with the guide scheduled for 5:00pm on the evening before the trip commences. The orientation will involve introductions, a briefing on the route, and discussions on packing considerations. Participants will have the opportunity to ask any final questions during this session. It is advised to ensure a good night's rest and enjoy a nourishing meal, as the journey will begin the following day.

We recommend staying locally in Bartlett, or at one of the many lodging options in the historic North Conway, NH

The journey will commence promptly at 8:00 am at the Davis Path Trailhead, situated off Crawford Notch Rd (Hwy 302) in Bartlett, NH. Our initial activity will involve gear distribution alongside breakfast sandwiches and coffee. Once everyone is geared up, fueled, and ready for the trail, we will set off on our adventure.

Day one's highlights encompass summiting Mount Crawford and Mount Resolution, and enjoying panoramic views of the rest of our route. The day culminates with a satisfying dinner, allowing us to recharge for the upcoming ascent of three peaks tomorrow.

Day two commences with an early "alpine-start" wake-up call to make the most of the daylight hours, marking the most physically demanding leg of our trek as we summit three mountains. Our journey begins with the ascent of Stairs Mountain (3,455ft), offering panoramic views of the upcoming peaks. We then push forward to summit Mount Davis (3,809ft) before tackling the highest point of our trek, Mount Isolation.

Following a brief break, we embark on the ascent of Mount Isolation (4,003ft), where we are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Mount Washington skyline. As the day winds down, we set up camp at the Isolation Trail junction, replenishing our water supply from a nearby tributary to the Rocky Branch River and relishing the tranquility of our remote backcountry campsite.

Day three is designed to provide us with an opportunity for active recovery following the previous day's challenges, all while immersing ourselves in the breathtaking alpine scenery of the present. Today’s trek starts with a gradual descent along the Isolation Trail, leading us to the Rocky Branch River. Along this trail, we can marvel at the aftermath of the 2011 avalanches triggered by Hurricane Irene.

As we meander beside the Rocky Branch River, we will absorb the solitude of this seldom visited area of the Whites. The day concludes upon reaching the Rocky Branch Shelter, where we can enjoy a meal, indulge in swimming, and partake in some evening fishing.

Following a morning of absorbing the respite of the wilderness, we will begin our journey back to civilization. Slowly ascending, we will reunite with the Davis Path, retracing our steps out of the wilderness with rejuvenated spirits and weary bodies. Upon reaching the Davis Path Trailhead, we will come together for a final meal before bidding farewell and going our separate paths.

Guide: A professionally licensed hiking guide, with years of experience, that is EMT certified

Gear: Use of all technical backpacking gear including: ultralight tent, top-of-the-line sleeping bag, ultralight sleeping pad, high-quality backpack, bear canister, and trekking poles

Food: Meals for entirety of trip from the start of the first day to lunch on the last day

Risk Management: Peace of mind with added safety precautions such as a Garmin In-Reach Satellite Communicator and first aid kit

Packing List: A detailed packing list of the clothing and personal items needed

Hiking clothes, footwear, and raingear

Personal items and toiletries

Headlamp flashlight and water bottles

Transportation to and from New Hampshire

Gratuity for your guide

Total Distance: 24 miles

Total Elevation Gain: 6,257ft

Total Elevation Loss: 6,233ft

Day One: 5 miles - 2,721ft gain / 687ft loss

Day Two: 7.5 miles - 2,142ft gain / 1,383ft loss

Day Three: 6.5 miles - 0ft gain / 2,344ft loss

Day Four: 5 miles - 1,734ft gain / 2,152ft loss

Our backpacking trips feature a variety of nourishing meals that provide the essential nutrients with a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Examples of foods you will eat on our trips are rice, pasta, lentils, beans, couscous, dried meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, and granola. We then add spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, fresh and dried fruits, and vegetables to make these ingredients into wonderful trail feasts.

Additionally, we provide a selection of trail mix, bars, and dried fruits for you to snack on between meals.

We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions as well as make adjustments for food allergies. Please be aware that special dietary requests may come with an additional fee.

Our shelter system for backcountry trips are lightweight, backpacking-specific tents. You are welcome to share a tent with anyone you are traveling with or request your own tent.

Our sleep system on backcountry trip consist of two parts: First is a lightweight, temperature-appropriate, sleeping bag. Second is a closed-cell foam sleeping pad.

Although it is not required, if you have any of your own backpacking specific gear, you are welcome to bring and use it!

The campsites on our trips are handpicked, primitive backcountry sites, carefully selected for their stunning beauty and strategic placement along our route. These sites offer a truly immersive experience, devoid of modern amenities, allowing you to connect with the landscape in its purest form. By embracing the simplicity of these sites, you can fully appreciate and engage with the unspoiled natural surroundings, fostering a deeper connection with wilderness.

To register for this trip, enter the number of people you are registering, then pay for the number of people in your party. If you are buying spots for people other than yourself, include their names and emails in the checkout form. Please contact us if you have questions prior to registering!

After payment, we will reach out to you via email with more information about the trip, and send you links to complete your registration. If you need help registering or have questions, reach out to us here.

On Day 1, we meet at Davis Path Trailhead, located off of Crawford Notch Rd (Hwy 302), in Bartlett, NH.

Your guide will reach out to you, via email, a week before the trip’s start date in order to answer any questions you have about the trip or the rendezvous location.

Please reach out to us - here - with any questions prior to your trip.

The journey commences at the Davis Path Trailhead in Bartlett, NH. We recommend staying locally in Bartlett, or at one of the many lodging options in the historic North Conway, NH.

The preferred mode of transportation is by driving or renting a car. However, it is possible to reach North Conway, NH via bus from Boston; please reach out to us for further details on this option.

The closest major airport is located in Portland, ME. Additionally, Boston’s Airport is situated roughly three hours away from the destination.

Children must be 12 years of age and accompanied by a parent or court appointed legal guardian to join shared-group experience trips. Additionally, individuals must be 18 years of age to join our trips independent of a parent or legal guardian.

Life can be unpredictable, therefore, we recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in traveling with us.

There are many ways to obtain travel insurance. Two companies we recommend are Global Rescue and IMG.

We are happy to provided any necessary documentation to help you insure your trip. Please direct all questions about travel insurance to your insurance provider.

The climate of the White Mountains is a Warm Humid Continental Climate, that is characterized by hot and humid summers and cold to freezing winters with evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 41°F, with July and January recording the highest (66°F) and lowest (39°C) average temperatures, respectively. On average, the White Mountains get 22 inches of precipitation each year. The average annual relative humidity is around 77%, and the average wind speed is 11 miles per hour. Summer (June-August) nights can be chilly, especially in the mountains. Winter (December-March) is long and cold. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) are short transitional seasons where a variety of weather can be experienced in a single day.