Isolation has always been one of my favorite NH48 peaks. Prior to hiking the Rocky Branch Trail as an out and back in June 2020, I had always opted to take Glen Boulder Trail as an out and back. I’m pretty sure it’s a combination of Glen Boulder and Isolation that’s my favorite. But, the approach from last week is growing on me and I’m already looking forward to my next snowy Isolation hike!
The hike: Mt. Isolation via Rocky Branch Trail > Engine Hill Bushwack > Isolation Trail > Davis Path > Isolation Spur
Miles and vert (according to my Garmin): 13.08 and 3,684ft
You can see below the route we took in red compared to the non-winter route in purple (that said, folks still do go the “normal” route in winter). There is no right answer. The bushwack avoids the major water crossings. Personal preference and comfort I would say. Pick the safest and most sensible route for you.
Prior to this hike I was honestly nervous about the Engine Hill Bushwack. I knew it wasn’t an “obvious” one per se like some of the others in the Whites. It was also winter conditions (which is when this approach is used) and historically I don’t do the best at staying warm. Adding to the latter statement, it was 9°F according to the car thermometer at the trailhead. Toasty. Not bad for winter hiking, but not used to it yet.
This hike was with Hiker Dad and was his 48th peak for single season fall 48. It was my 43rd, I still needed the Wildcats, Cannon, and Osceolas which I had time to do, but per some personal circumstances choose to prioritize other things over hiking. It’s about harmony kids. I say this, but that balance/harmony relationship IS.NOT.EASY. and I don’t have it nailed.
We started off the day in snowshoes, mainly because neither of us felt like carrying them on our packs. So, we “carried” them on our feet. While they were not necessary from the trailhead until the start of the bushwack, they were very helpful from that point on. The bushwack was broken out that morning by a large group but still soft and unconsolidated. About 0.20 mile from where the bushwack joins with Isolation Trail, we caught up to the group and ended up passing them shortly after to find an unbroken Isolation Trail.
At this point, we picked up two other hikers that ended up hiking with us for the rest of the day (hi Lillie and Sam!). Hiker Dad broke out Isolation Trail, which was about 5″ or so of fresh powder and then I took over for Davis Path to the summit of Isolation. Alike the not being used to 9°F, I’m not yet used to trail breaking and was glad to have only a few inches and not an entire hike of it. A great practice for what this winter holds 🙂
While a chilly day in the mountains, the summit felt quite warm in the sunshine so we hung out for a bit to enjoy the calm and beautiful “winter” day. I’m looking forward to visiting this peak again in real winter, and now having done that bushwack am no longer semi-intimidated by it. Would I want to break it out after a big storm? No. Would I feel ok breaking it out with a little bit of fresh snow? Yes. And, I’ll take that for a win.
It’s pretty after all with the snow covered birch glades…
It’s a little sad that last weekend was a snowy winter wonderland and it’s going to rain all day tomorrow here in New Hampshire. A strange start of winter for sure. Also strange that tomorrow is Christmas, it doesn’t feel like it’s almost 2021. I’ll be enjoying a nice quite day inside for the holiday and anxiously awaiting my next narnia-esque hike!
Have a lovely holiday everyone!
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
John Muir