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4,260 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire

Zealand Mountain

Zealand Mountain is a 4,260 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.

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Zealand Mountain in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Zealand Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation4,260 ft1,298 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 Zealand Road off Route 302, the Zealand Trail and Twinway climb past Zealand Falls Hut to the wooded, viewless summit, marked by a short spur off the main trail. Zealand is a gentle forested peak deep in the Pemigewasset region, so the effort lies mostly in the long approach. Zealand Road is gated in winter, adding mileage, and the trail can be rooty and muddy. Start early for the long round trip and carry water. Frequently combined with Mount Hale or the Bonds for a bigger backcountry day.

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
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Stream crossing
  • Remote location
  • Boggy terrain
  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects

Quests with Zealand Mountain

Peaks near Zealand Mountain

  1. South Twin Mountain

    South Twin Mountain

    4,902 ft · 1.7 mi away

  2. Mount Bond

    Mount Bond

    4,698 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. West Bond

    West Bond

    4,540 ft · 2.1 mi away

  4. North Twin Mountain

    North Twin Mountain

    4,761 ft · 2.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Zealand Mountain?

Zealand Mountain is 4,260 feet (1,298 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.

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

At 4,260 feet, Zealand Mountain is the 34th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike Zealand Mountain?

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 Zealand Mountain?

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 Zealand Mountain?

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 Zealand Mountain?

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 Zealand Mountain?

The Zealand Bonds Traverse starts at about 1,160 feet, roughly 3,100 feet below the summit.

Climb Zealand Mountain 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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