Z-Bonds Traverse

The Z-Bonds Traverse is 18.9 miles point to point, starting at Zealand Trailhead. At AMC book time (half the distance in hours plus 30 minutes per 1,000 ft of climbing), that works out to roughly 9-14 hours. Most parties take longer than book time on rough or above-treeline terrain, in winter, or with a heavy pack.

The Z-Bonds Traverse climbs about 3,805 ft over 18.9 miles, an average of roughly 201 ft of gain per mile. That figure is cumulative ascent across the whole point-to-point, not the difference between the trailhead and the high point.

HikerNerd rates the Z-Bonds Traverse Most demanding on a six-tier scale from Easy to Most demanding. The rating comes from the route itself: its 18.9 miles, 3,805 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 Z-Bonds Traverse summits 4 named peaks: Mount Bond, West Bond, Bondcliff, Mount Zealand.

The Z-Bonds Traverse starts at Zealand Trailhead and finishes at Lincoln Woods Trailhead, so it needs a car spot or shuttle. Hikers' trip reports on parking at Zealand Trailhead: fall weekends, full in both reports; fall weekdays, had space in both reports. Check the trail alerts on this page before you drive: trailhead access and parking in the White Mountains change with closures and construction.