Guyot: Over Twins or Zeacliff?

[Mohamed Ellozy]

I hope to hike to Guyot tomorrow; I love the remote feel it has, and it is less distant than the Bonds.

There are two possibilities: by Zealand Hut and over Zeacliff, or over both Twins. I love the views from both Zeacliff and the Twins, and would like help in deciding which to see (alas, I am definitely not up to the Twins, Guyot, Zeacliff, Hale loop).

It is obviously very subjective decision that I will have to make, but your input will be very much appreciated!

 

[alpinista]

My two cents: If the weather forecast is anything like what we've had in the past several days, I'd vote for going over the Twins to Guyot. The views from South Twin are awesome, and we don't get too many days like we've had lately..

 

[NH_Mtn_Hiker]

I was on the Twins yesterday....Awesome...definately beats Zeacliff.

 

[GlennS]

I made the trip to Guyot over the Twins on August 25th. I was somewhat surprised at the amount of elevation that I lost going down So. Twin. After the descent, the trail flattened out and was somewhat muddy. I think this trip was about 16 miles RT.

I'd do this route again before the trip via Zealand. The Twins are some of my favorite peaks.

I found the route to Guyot over the Twins quite a bit more physically demanding than the Zealand route.

 

[grouseking]

Zeacliff!!!!!!!

I've read your trail reports and I remember you saying you don't like to descend real steep stuff. I'm not sure how you are doing the hike...out and back I'm assuming. Based on that, I'd go up thru Zealand Notch, up to Zeacliff and then over to Guyot. I've completed a hike from the Twins all the way down to Zealand Hut and out Zealand Trail and it is much steeper going up the Twins then coming down the Twinway, in my opinion. The only steep spots i recollect are near the Zealand Mtn, and the ladder above the spur for Zeacliff Pond.

Hiking up thru Zealand Notch as you know is easy, scenic and beautiful. And I just think that descending back down the Twinway from Guyot is easier than having to deal with the Twins twice. And in my opinion, Zeacliff's view is the best in the Whites.

grouseking

 

[Kevin Rooney]

I found the route to Guyot over the Twins quite a bit more physically demanding than the Zealand route.

I think Glenn's on to something.

If you're up for a substantial physical challenge, then it's the Twins with their better views. Otherwise, Zealand is the choice. Either way, it's a longish day.

 

[Pamola]

The physical tax is definitely lighter going the Zealcliff route but I'm certainly happy to start the fire regarding the views. I love the twins, their height, solace, and views they offer but I have always had a special place for the view down the notch from zealcliff or the hut toward carrigain, the hancocks, and lowell.
I think the dealbreaker for me is the section of twinway between zealcliff and guyot. I love that trail and will choose that route when I go again.
(Winter Bonds trip, anyone?)

 

[Mike P.]

I'd go over the Twins but Zealcliff would be easier