Mount Isolation

Trail: Glen Boulder Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur, Lawn Cutoff, Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Alpine Garden Trail, Lion's Head Trail, road walk

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail

“There are two kinds of people that don't show up to a trailhead on time. 1. Those that aren't worth hiking with. 2. Those that are real jerks and didn't re-read text messages early in the morning. So after I left a note, started up the trail, thought to check one more time, realized I was the jackass and drove down to Rocky Branch, I was able to find Scott getting ready to take off without me. With something resembling an apology and acceptance out of the way (our family's genes don't allow for the proper handling of emotions...) we drove back to Glenn Boulder Trailhead and were on the trail at 7:30. Of course 15 mins later we accidentally turned on a ski trail, adding a bit more flat ground to the normal Rocky Branch ascent than we were used to, giving me jackass strike #2 for the day. After that it was great. Blue skies and a light breeze. Yes, it's muddy on the normal parts of Davis path, but nothing too bad. There are a handful of blowdowns to navigate, but again, all can be handled. From Iso it was on to Boott Spur, Bigelow Lawn, Alpine Garden and Lion's Head for me. All are in great shape. Where else can you listen to the Mt Washington road race, admire flowers that only grow in the Alpine Garden for a few weeks a year, and not have to worry about seeing another human for long stretches? That's the beauty of side trails, even on busy days. Anyway...conditions are great on the Pinkham side of the Presis despite recent rain. Go out and enjoy them.”

Trail: Glen Boulder Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant

“This was a roll of the dice kind of day which turned out to be incredible. The trail was wet in places and there was water running on the trail on Glen Boulder but above treeline things were dry which made the tricky sections way less tricky. The sky was clear and I just admired the majesty of everything I could see. Davis Path was also dry above treeline but quite wet in many places below treeline. There are also some areas of running water on the trail and areas of impressive squelchy mud. I just poked it in places to find the areas that weren't quite so deep. Isolation spur was dry and an easy climb. Upon my return the clouds had really come in and everything was grey and moody and gorgeous. What a gift of a day. I only saw 3 other happy hikers today and really had the trails to myself.”

Trail: Glen Boulder Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur, Isolation Trail, Rocky Branch Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant

“Left a car at Rocky Branch parking lot. Drove a 2nd car to Glen Ellis Falls parking (Glen Boulder Trailhead). Good trail conditions up Glen Boulder Trail to Davis Path. Davis Path generally good condition with minor mud when it piches up to Isolation. Returned to spotted car via Isolation Trail and Rocky Branch Trail. Isolation trail was its usual muddy rocky wet mess. Rocky Branch trail to height of land was walking on rocks with water running down trail. From the height of land to the car was OK. If you do this route choose a fine weather day - the views from Glen Boulder are outstanding. In retrospect we would have been better off returning via Davis Path and Glen Boulder despite the 1,500 feet additional elevation.”