Mount Isolation via Rocky Branch

The Mount Isolation via Rocky Branch is 13.8 miles round trip, starting at Rocky Branch Trailhead (Route 16). At AMC book time (half the distance in hours plus 30 minutes per 1,000 ft of climbing), that works out to roughly 6-11 hours. Most parties take longer than book time on rough or above-treeline terrain, in winter, or with a heavy pack.

The Mount Isolation via Rocky Branch climbs about 3,489 ft over 13.8 miles, an average of roughly 253 ft of gain per mile. That figure is cumulative ascent across the whole out-and-back, not the difference between the trailhead and the high point.

HikerNerd rates the Mount Isolation via Rocky Branch Very hard on a six-tier scale from Easy to Most demanding. The rating comes from the route itself: its 13.8 miles, 3,489 ft of gain, and the steepest quarter mile of trail, with routes known for scrambles or ledges rated a step harder. It is the same scale our NH 4,000-footer difficulty ranking uses. Above-treeline exposure, water crossings, and winter conditions can still make a well-rated route the hardest day of your year, so check current conditions before committing.

The Mount Isolation via Rocky Branch summits 1 named peak: Mount Isolation.

The Mount Isolation via Rocky Branch starts at Rocky Branch Trailhead (Route 16). Check the trail alerts on this page before you drive: trailhead access and parking in the White Mountains change with closures and construction.