Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. New England 4,000ers
  5. Bondcliff

4,265 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire

Bondcliff

Bondcliff is a 4,265 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Zealand Bonds Traverse: 19 mi, 3,973 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView New England 4,000ers
Bondcliff in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Bondcliff at a glance

  • Elevation4,265 ft1,299 m
  • RouteZealand Bonds TraverseClass 2
  • Distance19 mi3,973 ft gain
  • Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire

Climbing the Zealand Bonds Traverse

From Lincoln Woods on the Kancamagus Highway, follow the Wilderness and Bondcliff trails many miles into the Pemigewasset Wilderness to the iconic open cliff-edge summit. The dramatic rock ledge, with big drops and endless views, is one of the most photographed spots in the Whites. This is a very long, committing day with no quick exit, so many hikers backpack or link it with Bond and West Bond. The summit is fully exposed to wind. Start very early or camp, and carry plenty of water and layers.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • GPS Device
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Headlamp
  • Power Bank
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Stream crossing
  • Low visibility
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Remote location

Quests with Bondcliff

Peaks near Bondcliff

  1. Mount Bond

    Mount Bond

    4,698 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. West Bond

    West Bond

    4,540 ft · 1.0 mi away

  3. Zealand Mountain

    Zealand Mountain

    4,260 ft · 2.9 mi away

  4. Owl's Head

    Owl's Head

    4,025 ft · 3.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Bondcliff?

Bondcliff is 4,265 feet (1,299 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.

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

At 4,265 feet, Bondcliff is the 33rd highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike Bondcliff?

The Zealand Bonds Traverse is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 19 miles with 3,973 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Bondcliff?

Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Zealand Bonds Traverse, covering 19 miles with 3,973 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Bondcliff?

The Zealand Bonds Traverse needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 19 miles with 3,973 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Bondcliff?

The usual hiking 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 Bondcliff?

The Zealand Bonds Traverse starts at about 1,160 feet, roughly 3,105 feet below the summit.

Climb Bondcliff 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

App StoreGoogle Play