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4,004 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire

Mount Isolation

Mount Isolation is a 4,004 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Via Rocky Branch Trail: 13 mi, 3,569 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Isolation in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Mount Isolation at a glance

  • Elevation4,004 ft1,220 m
  • RouteVia Rocky Branch TrailClass 2
  • Distance13 mi3,569 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire

Climbing the Via Rocky Branch Trail

From Route 16 south of Pinkham Notch, the Rocky Branch and Isolation trails lead many miles to the small open summit, aptly named for its remote position in the Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness. Numerous river crossings can be difficult in high water, and the trails are muddy and rough. The exposed rocky top rewards the effort with a stunning close view of the southern Presidentials. This is a very long day, so start early, carry plenty of water, and be prepared for wet feet.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (20–30 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • GPS Device
  • 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

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

Quests with Mount Isolation

Peaks near Mount Isolation

  1. Mount Eisenhower

    Mount Eisenhower

    4,780 ft · 2.7 mi away

  2. Mount Monroe

    Mount Monroe

    5,384 ft · 2.8 mi away

  3. Mount Pierce

    Mount Pierce

    4,310 ft · 2.9 mi away

  4. Mount Jackson

    Mount Jackson

    4,052 ft · 3.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Isolation?

Mount Isolation is 4,004 feet (1,220 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.

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

At 4,004 feet, Mount Isolation is the 66th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike Mount Isolation?

The Via Rocky Branch Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 3,569 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Isolation?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Via Rocky Branch Trail, covering 13 miles with 3,569 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Isolation?

The Via Rocky Branch Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 3,569 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 Mount Isolation?

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 Mount Isolation?

The Via Rocky Branch Trail starts at about 1,230 feet, roughly 2,774 feet below the summit.

Climb Mount Isolation 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

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