What's the best route to Mt. Isolation?

[Mountain49]

I'm planning to hike Isolation this Sat. The description of Rocky Branch Trail in White Mt. Guide says the water crossings are wide and difficult. I read Ed's description of the hike 9/13 and he didn't find that. Glen Boulder is described as shorter but much more strenuous. I am wondering with the recent rain, if the water crossings will be bad. Any input is welcome. Also, if anyone wants to join me, they'd be welcome to. Thanks. Mountain49 Julie

 

[dug]

"Best" is subjective. I did the Rocky Branch route and other than my feet killing me for the last two miles, it wasn't bad. The crossings weren't much to content with. I came from the south over Stairs and Davis as a long trip, and liked it. I the Glen Boulder route and it probably was more strenuous, but I was above treeline for longer so the views were more inspiring. Are you camping or doing it in a single trip? If I had to choose one trip, and if the weather cooperated, I suppose I'd do the Glen Boulder route.

 

[Mohamed Ellozy]

If you have two cars, or are willing to take a chance on thumbing a ride, the Glen Boulder -> Rocky Branch route is hard to beat.

Not much cumulative rain on my side on the Kanc (Woodstock-Lincoln area), no idea how much on the other side.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

The Saco is at 5-6X average for this date, or at 98% for this date. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?01064500

That is only relative to this date, mind you. It may not be all that high in absolute terms. The Pemi, East Branch, is at about 2-2.5X average for this date, so there is less water in the western drainage.

Tim

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Are you comfortable with a bushwhack that takes about 45 minutes? If so, then shortly after cresting what is known as Engine Hill on the Rocky Branch Trail, you turn to the right on a heading which will intersect the trail again and thereby avoid 2 of the largest crossings. Without looking it up, I think it's 330 degrees, but do check it.

You can avoid crossings 3 and 4 by staying high on the bank (on the right) for about 200' or so. You should take this short bypass whether you do the above bushwhack or not. One isn't related to the other.

That leaves only the last (5th) brook crossing, which can't be avoided. But, they're easier the higher you go.

The Engine Hill bushwhack doesn't save you any time, but it does avoid the loss/regain of elevation as well as avoiding 2 major crossings.

 

[DougPaul]

You can also climb Isolation via Ammo Ravine and Boott Spur. The only stream crossings that might be an issue are low down and unlikely to be much of a problem. Pick a nice day--a lot of the route is above T-line. A bit long.

Doug

 

[ctsparrow]

Mountain 49, i did this with my son(12..read...short legs) in late august after what was 5 or 6 weeks of incredibly wet weather. I wore scree gaiters, he wore my snowgaiters...much higher and waterproof. Definitely bring a couple extra pair of socks, both for water as well as for a long day. The water crossings were slightly above boot high for me...i don't wear low-cut boots, more like mid-cut ones. We did have to travel within 20-30 feet up or down stream to find the most agreeable crossings. The first & second we went downstream, the last crossing was stompable with goretex boots.

FYI as you near the junction with Davis (north end) the trail guide warns of difficulty following the trail, it is not that difficult in non-winter conditions..there are left over yellow blazes that can be spotted and there is a sign post for tenting at the most confusing area, directing tentors right and left, just keep going straight. On the return trip i hesitated here to get my bearings, then looked down and behind me and there was the tent sign.

The spur to Isolation is obvious on the right, look up at a tree on your left and there is the sign.

Have fun, hopefully you get the full view from the top!!
ctsparrow

 

[MichaelJ]

We hiked Isolation via Rocky Branch (from Rte 16) on Sep 13 for Flags on the 48, just a few days after some heavy rain. All the crossings were rock-hoppable without incident, though depending on leg length some members of the group went up or downstream a few yards to different rocks. As noted, there are three larger crossings and a couple smaller ones. In the past, I've only ever had an issue at the first one, and I just popped my boots off, took the two wet steps, and put them back on.

The trail coming down from that first height-of-land by Engine Hill to the first crossing tends to be its own watercourse and a rock/earth/root hop for a good part of its length. Also not a problem, but means I'd recommend having poles or a hiking stick with you.

 

[jniehof]

Don't underestimate the weather exposure on Glen Boulder--it leaves the trees very early. On a good day that can be nice, but a windy day is pretty miserable. I learned the hard way

 

[mookie]

If you have two cars, or are willing to take a chance on thumbing a ride, the Glen Boulder -> Rocky Branch route is hard to beat.QUOTE]

myself and gooly followed this route on 9/20.
pretty awesome! i would think that rocky branch up and down could get old pretty quickly, not many views nor varying terrain.

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

You can also climb Isolation via Ammo Ravine and Boott Spur. The only stream crossings that might be an issue are low down and unlikely to be much of a problem. Pick a nice day--a lot of the route is above T-line. A bit long.
Doug

This route to Isolation has been on my To Do List for a long time; plus you can pick off Monroe as a bonus peak. When Lakes hut is open, you also can tank up on potable water in both directions.

 

[Silverfox]

The hike up Glen Boulder then "down" to Isolation pretty nice on a good day though a fair amount of exposure if wet and windy.. Rocky Branch, while a bit boring and muddy in spots..the slope down to the first crossing from Engine Hill col is a wet rock hop at best , is pretty benign and unless very high water the crossings are doable..on this trail you get wet in the mud and puddles anyway..stepping on a wet rock on a crossing only washes the shoes.....pretty easy going however with some nice foliage shots this time of the year..

 

[DougPaul]

This route to Isolation has been on my To Do List for a long time; plus you can pick off Monroe as a bonus peak. When Lakes hut is open, you also can tank up on potable water in both directions.

That is what I did... (Except that I didn't need water on the way back.) Stats are 17mi and 5700 vert ft.

If you are feeling energetic, you could also bag Washington and Jefferson before descending via Jewell Tr.

Doug

 

[rocket21]

I've only done Isolation once. I wasn't looking forward to it at all, but reaching it via Glen Boulder was actually quite scenic and enjoyable. I ended up adding Boott Spur on the way back.

Make sure you save up some energy if you do go that route, as the ascent back up the Davis Path after summitting Isolation can kick one's butt.

 

[Grayjay]

Quite a while ago I came over the Rocky Branch Trail and then buswhacked up Isolation from the river, then returned the same way. That is a popular 4 season route. right? It was really nice, and had a strong feeling of "isolation."

 

[MichaelJ]

Yes, though it seems like most people only do the first bushwhack (from the first height-of-land to the river) in winter, and I believe the second bushwhack (from the river up to the Davis Path) is almost impassable except in winter with a good coating of snow on the ground.

 

[Grayjay]

Yes, though it seems like most people only do the first bushwhack (from the first height-of-land to the river) in winter, and I believe the second bushwhack (from the river up to the Davis Path) is almost impassable except in winter with a good coating of snow on the ground.

One definition of Impassable-- go slower. I did it in the summer.

 

[Mountain49]

Thank you

Really appreciate the many responses I got to question of best route to Isolation!! I'm going to decide that morning based on the weather.
Mountain49
Julie

 

[Rejean]

[QUOTE=Mohamed Ellozy]If you have two cars, or are willing to take a chance on thumbing a ride, the Glen Boulder -> Rocky Branch route is hard to beat.

I done that traverse two years ago and I would never do it again. The Glen
Boulder was great but the brooks where very high and a very long Rocky
branch return + 3.5 miles on the road.