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- West Bond
4,540 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire
West Bond
West Bond is a 4,540 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.
West Bond at a glance
- Elevation4,540 ft1,383 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, Bondcliff, and West Bond Spur trails deep into the Pemigewasset Wilderness. West Bond is a short but steep spur off the Bond ridge that delivers one of the finest views in the Whites, out across the remote basin to Bondcliff and Mount Bond. This is a very long, committing day with no quick exit, so many hikers backpack or link all three Bonds. The open summit is 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
- High winds
- Storms
- Stream crossing
- Low visibility
- Cold summit conditions
- Rapid weather shifts
- Remote location
Quests with West Bond
New England 4,000ers
NH 48Peaks near West Bond
Frequently asked questions
How tall is West Bond?
West Bond is 4,540 feet (1,383 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.
How does West Bond rank among the New England 4,000ers?
At 4,540 feet, West Bond is the 18th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.
How hard is it to hike West Bond?
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 West Bond?
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 West Bond?
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 West Bond?
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 West Bond?
The Zealand Bonds Traverse starts at about 2,020 feet, roughly 2,520 feet below the summit.
Climb West Bond 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