Also on this trip

Trails Used

North Twin Trail, Fire Warden's Trail, Lend-A-Hand Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, North Twin Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

This extension of the conventional Pemi Loop was a hike I had planned for some time as a buildup to an endurance race, and the Lincoln Woods closure did not interfere with the route. Starting from the North Twin trailhead, this starts with Hale via the Fire Warden's Trail, makes a quick detour to Zealand Falls Hut, then heads up the Twinway to the Zeacliff outlook, Zealand, and the Bonds. The Bondcliff Trail marks the entry point to the standard Pemi Loop, which is then followed to the Osseo Trail (Lincoln Woods Trail is closed immediately south of this intersection), and across Franconia Ridge and Garfield Ridge. This is a formidable amount of climbing in the second half of the hike, and the South Twin ascent after 37.6 miles was the coup de grace. Trail conditions were excellent for the endeavor, with largely dry rocks, even on some of the typically wet sections of the Garfield Ridge Trail. The Bondcliff Trail had its typical muddy sections, but most of these could be avoided. The wettest segment of trail might have been the narrow corridor of the North Twin Spur. Most of the trails were unusually quiet for the Sunday of 4th of July weekend, but the Lincoln Woods closure and my civil twilight start had a lot to do with that. I encountered a number of friendly hikers between Zealand Falls Hut and Mt. Bond, and almost no one until miles later between Mt. Flume and Mt. Liberty. Though I was there around mid to late-afternoon, the number of hikers between Little Haystack and Mt. Lafayette was moderate rather than excessive. There were a few trail runners, all headed in the opposite direction, undoubtedly with similarly creative itineraries. Views were spectacular, and lower temperature and humidity made this endeavor much more pleasant than it would have been a few days earlier. Overall hike statistics: 44.0 miles, 14,050' gain, 18:20 elapsed time. Full details on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

Ample parking at the end of Haystack Rd.

Water Crossings

Most significant crossing was the Little River 1.9 miles from the end of the North Twin Trail, and this could be creatively rock-hopped by headlamp. Water crossings on the Bondcliff Trail and Twinway were relatively easy rock hops.

Wildlife

Moderate presence of mosquitoes and small flies, most noticeable when stopped. One application of picaridin around mid-morning kept them away for the remainder of the day.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pemi East Side, Bushwhack, Osseo, Franconia Ridge, Garfield Ridge, Twin Brook, Frost, Twinway, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff, Wilderness, Lincoln Woods

Trail Conditions

Notes

Standard (almost) Pemi Loop from Lincoln Woods. This is the easiest loop, and it's still possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. I took the East Side trail about 1.7 miles and then broke toward the river to cross. Look for the spot where the river is straight and wide, with a large eroded dirt cliff on the far side. This cliff is directly at the end of the Osseo Trail. I crossed toward the downstream end of the cliff and was never more than thigh deep. The water is cold and moving pretty fast. I'd recommend poles or a stick for balance. Once I hit the shore, there was a trail of orange tapes leading up to the LW Trail. Turn RIGHT and you'll see the Osseo in a hundred yards or so. I left my wet shoes there for the return trip, but you might consider carrying them so you can cross farther up (less water) on the way back. I wouldn't recommend a barefoot crossing, and would consider scoping/trying out the crossing(s) on a day when you are not doing the hike. I spent a lot of time and energy on that. Crossing back when it's dark and you're tired will be difficult.

Parking

Lincoln Woods lot was nearly empty at 5am on a Wednesday, and again at midnight.

Water Crossings

All trail-based crossings were easily managed, but last crossing on Wilderness Trail near Lincoln Woods Trails was a bit tricky in the dark.

Wildlife

Not bad at all, but it was quite breezy to windy most of the day. The biggest problem was all the moths dive-bombing my headlamp on the way out.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Zealand Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Nothing super noteworthy. Knowing Lincoln Woods Trail will be closing on Monday, June 15, a traverse was in order. A slightly unconventional way to do the traverse by starting at LW, but it was better mentally to not have to do the LW death march at the end of a long day. This direction does add around 800ft of elevation gain to the traverse, but being able to refill water at the end of the day at Zealand Hut was oh so welcomed. The weather was absolutely perfect yesterday and lots of people were out enjoying the day. A few NH48 finishers on West Bond!

Parking

Dropped a car at Zealand lot the night before. Lincoln Woods had a few lucky spots at 7:45am but most people were still parking on the side of 112. Both lots have a $5 fee per day or require a WMNF parking pass.

Water Crossings

No issues on any of the crossings.

Wildlife

Not the worst, but bug spray was helpful in the woods and swampy areas.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Bondcliff, West Bond

Trail Conditions

Notes

Only a few more days to capture the Bonds from Lincoln Woods. Above treeline it was very warm and the black flies are just waiting to take a bite out of you at each peak. Other than the peaks, though, they weren't bad. Bondcliff Trail is very runnable for the most part. There is no water at the third stream crossing, but I was pleasantly surprised that there was water at the fourth crossing.

Parking

Lincoln Woods parking lot was over half full. Grateful for running water and flush toilets!

Water Crossings

All are rock hoppable.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Lincoln Woods

Trail Conditions

Notes

Wet drippy moist soggy moisture on todays fine zbonds lap. Overall pretty speedy due to motivation to keep moving to maintain correct body temperature and lack of views. Trails were already staring to dry out as the sun peaked thru at times during death march boredom and ground absorption was well under so only minimal puddles on LW. Felt pretty comfortable out there for how soppy of a morning it truly was

Parking

Both lots 1/3ish full

Water Crossings

All rock hops

Wildlife

Pretty nonexistent in the am, came out mildly w/the sun in the evening, first slow and dumb mosquitoes of the year

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur,

Trail Conditions

Notes

The trails are in fine shape. There are areas with standing water and some mud but it's really a non-issue. This was an out and back from Zealand to close out my single season spring and I wanted to get it done before the rain came in this weekend. The biggest issue is the bugs. Bring bug spray and a head net. It's a long miserable day without them. I was tickled to see Celeste and Lynda headed to Bondcliff as I was slogging my way back up Bond. Then we caused a traffic jam on the Bondcliff trail when I bumped into Kyle and Justin and Athena. It's always nice to catch up with friends while feeding the bugs. 6th consecutive single season in the bag. :)

Parking

There were a handful of cars in the Zealand lot at 4:15am. More cars in the lot upon my return but still open spaces. Bathrooms are open and there is a trash can for garbage.

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops.

Wildlife

I thought the bugs were bad yesterday on Lincoln and Lafayette. Nope. Bond and Bondcliff were worse. I donned my extremely fashionable head net once on West Bond and wore it for a good portion of the day. They were swarming around the net and the little creeps that made it under the net still bit. I only saw 2 other people wearing head nets today but at least 6 people admired mine and said they wished they had brought one. So embrace your inner Uki, and bring your head net. Your sanity will be saved.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail : Bondcliff Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Although there are many muddy spots on both trails, most of the distance is on dry trails. The mud areas frequently have rock steppingstones, RR ties/roots, or well-worn bypasses to avoid stepping in the worst of the mud. I did not step in any boot sucking mud. Exceptional views from the open summit of Bondcliff. Perfect sky conditions. Saw flowers of Painted Trillium, Red Trillium, Mayflower, Bluebead Lily, Hobblebush, and Lady's Slipper. A hiker from Marblehead MA finished the NH 48 4K today on Bondcliff. Met a hiker from Litchfield NH where I used to live. Nice chatting with Samantha from Jackson, NH. Met two one day Pemi Loopers. Many overnight hikers.

Parking

Plenty of room in the Lincoln Woods fee lot. Restrooms with flush toilets and running water.

Water Crossings

The water flow is robust. There are plenty of rocks to use for the crossings. Some of the rocks are overtopped by water.

Wildlife

Some bugs. Wasn't bad enough to wear the head net.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a tail of 3 hikes in 1. The start on Lincoln Woods is very gradual and straightforward. Started crossing on a cable bridge, and about 3 miles in gets you to the second bridge. This is the last of the bridges, all water crossings from here on out will use rocks to step over. Upon starting on the Bondcliff Trail, its much of the same. Very straight sections of this trail make you feel as though your barley moving. About 7 miles in or so the elevation began to climb more steeply. Bondcliff Trail was very similar to the Lincoln Woods Trail, just not as wide and with less railroad ties. The climb up to Bondcliff had a few sections that got steep but a lot of the trail was a gradual climb. Similar to the Jewell Trail. There was a lot of water on the Bondcliff Trail, including running water and standing water. Lots of mud to go along with the water. The trails were soft due to the dampness. Not a lot of trees blown down. Each one was an easy step over or a duck under. The snow began to stick to the ground around 3700 feet. The snow became about 2 inches deep at its max. Breaking tree line and the wind and rain began to pick up. The rain held off until I was at the summit of Bondcliff. Winds gusted to about 50MPH, which drove the rain into my skin like tiny needles. The hike to Mt. Bond was a great ridge walk, gaining elevation. Going from Mt. Bond to West Bond was a nice decline and incline. Saw a mountain chicken for the first time, and boy was I surprised. I did not know that there was such a thing in the whites. Technical name is a Spruce Grouse. Very cool. Summit of West Bond made it about 11.5 miles, and then about 11.5 miles back to the parking lot. Out and back for a total of just over 22.5 miles, did it in just under 9.5hrs. Saw plenty of people, and some folks endured the wind and rain with me heading to Mt. Bond and West Bond. Lincoln Woods is closing for the summer on the 15th so if you need the Bonds or Owls Head don't wait.

Parking

Plenty of parking at the lot off the Kancamagus. Bathrooms available.

Water Crossings

The water is flowing fast and high due to all the rain the past week. All crossings were able to rock hop over with a few spots where water was flowing over the rocks. Lincoln Woods Trail has bridges over the water, Bondcliff Trail had 4 or 5 major crossings but were easy enough as long as you take your time and plan your route.

Wildlife

The start of the bug season is looming right around the corner. Mosquitos are getting bad.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Lincoln Woods Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trails are in great condition for the crush of pre-LW closure hikers over the next few days. Between Zealand and Guyot was some of the last bits of snow still hanging around before Winter completely lets us out of her grasp (its 3x tiny areas each about the size of dinner plates). If you'll be part of the pre-LW closure hikers this weekend, please pack out your trash (see L&F notes above). Traffic will probably get much lighter starting Monday, so there won't be as many hikers to do the normal trail-sweeps and grabbing all the little bits of trash here and there Happy Hiking!

Parking

Both park pass/fee lots, Zealand Lot was over half-full today. The push for pre-LW Trail Closure hikes is going to fill up these lots pretty early each morning thru the end of the weekend. Zealand Rd is back open in its pothole glory. Probably just plan for double or triple the drive-time that Google maps gives you from 302 to the trailhead...

Water Crossings

All easily rock-hoppable

Wildlife

Annoying, but if you kept moving they really weren't a bother (stop for a snack and they made themselves known)

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Bondcliff

Trail Conditions

Notes

Arrived right at 6 am, lots of people around, lot maybe half full but apparently all those people were not headed directly to the Bonds as I was alone on the trail until after summit. Water crossings were easy but several muddy spots along the trail. Zero snow or ice. And no bugs until I got back to Lincoln Woods at the end of the day. No bear issues and no signs of that trouble maker.

Parking

Arrived at 6 to Lincoln Woods lot about half full

Water Crossings

All easily done without getting wet

Wildlife

Zero bugs the whole day until coming back down Lincoln Woods in the afternoon, as long as you didn’t stop moving it was fine but black flies and mosquitoes were terrible if you did

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Bondcliff

Trail Conditions

Notes

Arrived right at 6 am, lots of people around, lot maybe half full but apparently all those people were not headed directly to the Bonds as I was alone on the trail until after summit. Water crossings were easy but several muddy spots along the trail. Zero snow or ice. And no bugs until I got back to Lincoln Woods at the end of the day. No bear issues and no signs of that trouble maker.

Parking

Arrived at 6 to Lincoln Woods lot about half full

Water Crossings

All easily done without getting wet

Wildlife

Zero bugs the whole day until coming back down Lincoln Woods in the afternoon, as long as you didn’t stop moving it was fine but black flies and mosquitoes were terrible if you did

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pemi loop over three days. Stayed at Liberty Spring and Guyot Tentsites.

Trail Conditions

Notes

Lovely weather. Best Spring conditions I've ever seen. Glad to have made it out before Lincoln Woods Closure

Water Crossings

Rock Hopping. All crossings were easily crossable by wading or rock hopping.

Wildlife

Gnats and maybe one black fly came out on the final of our 3 days as we returned to Lincoln Woods.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hale Brook Trail, Lend a Hand Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Only notable snow/ice was on final ascent to Guyot but will be gone soon and was navigable without spikes. Only notable deep mud was on Lend a Hand trail. Typical Spring conditions.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zealand Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Just a few short sporadic sections of snow climbing out of the Zealand/Guyot Col on the Twinway before treeline, no issue at all, and will be gone in a few days. Summer conditions from here on out. All trails are in decent shape, some mud and standing water, and a couple of stepover blowdowns along the route, but nothing that stuck out that I can remember. Great day for a Z-Bonds Traverse, with a nice breeze and cool but comfortable temps above treeline and pleasant down low.

Parking

Both Lincoln Woods and Zealand Trailhead are fee lots. Plenty of space during the weekdays this time of year

Water Crossings

All easy rock hops at the moment

Wildlife

None today!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Awesome pemi this morning-started at 2:45 to minimize heat, bugs, and potential afternoon thunderstorms. Saw fewer than twenty hikers all day (no other trail runners), and had every summit minus Liberty to myself! Strong winds and big old clouds kept it comfortable until the eight mile run down from Bondcliff, which felt like I was running through hell it was so dang hot with minimal leaf coverage in the hardwoods. Leave the spikes at home! There was one stretch of stubborn unavoidable snow just before breaking treeline on Guyot. It only lasted five minutes. It was reported that the Zealand-Guyot stretch is still deep and nasty as of this morning. Top of Garfield and West Bond essentially all melted out. Get it before the LW closure!!!

Parking

Tons of space today

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops

Wildlife

Early start and elevated winds kept all the nasty buggers away. There were lots of regular old flies along the ridge in the woods but they were minding their own business!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Overall, a soggy day. Lots of water on trail, lots of drainage issues. I kept my feet mostly dry, except for a dunking above Zealand Hut. Waterproof shoes (or my waterproof socks) would have helped. I wore my spikes climbing out of the col after Zealand to the Twinway, but that was it. West Bond is still iffy for needing spikes. Glorious blue sky day!

Parking

Full parking lot at Lincoln Woods as people are getting in hikes before the closure.

Water Crossings

Lots of water after recent rains. All rock-hoppable with some patient route finding. I did dunk a foot above Zealand Hut, but it was not a dangerous crossing.

Wildlife

Not an issue except perhaps on the Lincoln Woods exit. They are definitely awake and ready to drive us crazy1

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zealand, Twinway, Bondcliff, West Bond Spur, Lincoln Woods Trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Good conditions overall for May but rain in the forecast followed by warm weather so I expect water crossings will be higher and snow will be less but monorails might be more unstable and prone to postholing. 1st snow at 3400' below Zeacliff then semi consistent at 4k' below Zealand summit but not worth traction as the snow lasts maybe 100' then peters out. Starting in the col between Zealand and Guyot the monorail is pretty much consistent but the snowy monorail was stable and sticky so no spikes needed although that could change with the warm weather. The monorail is high and narrow in places. At treeline on Guyot it's bare ground until back in the trees. Then it's a snowy mostly consistent monorail out to West Bond and quite narrow and high. But again no spikes needed until descending where I donned my rock spikes for safety until back out on the Bondcliff Trail. Up to Bond was inconsistent snow and monorail so I removed the spikes and barebooted the rest of the way to Lincoln Woods. There were a few short stretches and patches of snow coming off Bond and Bondcliff but easily avoided. Essentially I was able to bareboot most of the 19 miles except the except the West Bond Spur Trail and even there I really only needed them for the quarter mile descent into the col. But spikes are still warranted with the ever changing spring conditions and the high and narrow monorails on Guyot and West Bond.

Parking

Plenty of room at the Zealand Trailhead at 6 am, just one other vehicle. And plenty of room at Lincoln Woods at 645 pm. Restrooms open at both parking lots.

Water Crossings

All water crossings were easy rock hops with dry feet.

Wildlife

Happily none but you know they're getting primed as soon as it warms up.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hale Brook Trail, Lend-A-Hand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Lincoln Woods Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Hale Brook trail is mostly bare. There was some black ice in spots from the recent rain and below freezing overnight temps. Lend-A-Hand was surprisingly nice. I expected high water in the boggy areas, but it wasn't bad. Some running water in sections, wet rocks and black ice covered rocks (which look very similar). The first monorail sections started on Twinway about a mile from the Zealand Spur, mostly avoidable to start then becoming more consistent. I carried Hillsound Trail Crampons (which are spikes) but used Exo Spikes (which are studs) here and kept them on up to Guyot. The snow was mostly stable here, and sometimes narrow rail. Snow free from Guyot until you duck back into the trees on Bondcliff Trail. West Bond Spur's monorail was the most annoying of the day; high and super narrow in spots, mostly unavoidable. Consistent snow most of the way up to Bond, then some short sections descending towards Bondcliff. After that it was essentially bare trail.

Parking

Zealand road is open! There were a few vehicles and a camper at Hale Brook Trailhead this morning. All were parked in strange positions. I pulled in to the spot in front of the trail like a normal person.

Water Crossings

Water levels were elevated but all crossings were easy. Those on Bondcliff trail I did have to use a few submerged rocks.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

lincoln woods, osseo, franconia ridge, garfield ridge, frost, twinway, north twin spur, bondcliff trail, west bond spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

This was a three day backpacking trip of the extended pemi loop from 5/7 to 5/9. I camped at garfield ridge campsite and guyot campsite. The tent platforms were all exposed and there was water flowing at each spring. I had a wide range of different conditions. I used microspikes for a few tricky sections but most of this was bare bootable. The osseo trail was melted with swampy sections above the ladders. Between liberty and flume there was still deep snow and monorail. Between liberty and haystack it was mostly melted with a few patches of snow. Lincoln and Lafayette were bare rock. Garfield ridge was mostly melted with a lot of puddles. There was some annoying monorail left between gale river trail and the hut. The twin way up to south twin was mostly melted. The north twin spur was narrow monorail that was a pain to hike across. There were puddles with a thin layer of ice over them. Between south twin and guyot it was mostly monorail with only a few melted sections. The twinway from guyot to Zealand had a lot of monorail left. The bonds had some monorail, particularly on the west bond spur. The Bondcliff trail below Bondcliff was melted with avoidable snow.

Water Crossings

The crossings on the bondcliff trail were all easy.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Bondcliff

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Great day with friend and maintainer Paul G despite the disagreeable weather. We planned on bagging all three Bonds but Mother Nature thought otherwise. Dry trail down low until we headed up Bondcliff and things got progressively wetter and muddier. Rotting monorail and a fresh inch or two of snow started around 3300' all the way to the summit...mostly avoidable or thin stretches you could stand on. Not bad to ascend and easy to descend with care and assistance from trees. Hilary Step was a little spicy with fresh wet snow. Upon breaking out on Bondcliff and heading for the summit we found ourselves literally pinned to a standstill by wind several times. That coupled with not much for views, slippery conditions with wet snow, and the prospect of winds being worse and increasing though the day had us scurrying back below tree-line. I'll have to come back another day for Bond and West Bond for Spring/May. Made a fairly "quick" day of it and Paul G got some recon for a maintenance return trip before the closure. Only souls out there today and a few headed to Owl's Head.

Parking

Plenty of parking at 7am and plenty at 2pm

Water Crossings

Water crossings were rock-hoppable with no issues, if you feel a bit unsteady then some poles should do the trick.

Wildlife

Still asleep.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zealand Road, Zealand Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Wilderness Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

A FINE day in the forest. I relinquished my crown and let Pretzel borrow it for her "Queen for a day" hike. Zealand Road is snow free, but still soft enough that I do not think it will open this week, especially with substantial rain and potential snow forecasted later in the week. Of note, Zealand Hut's pump is down and you cannot get water, you have to filter from the river. Take that into consideration if you're like me and went light for the first 6 miles. Snowshoes would be more of a safety hazard given the current trail corridors and threads. However it is spring, and things change from the morning to the evening. So use your judgement. Our group maybe added a handful of postholes, total, over the 23.25 miles. It's firm. Snow enters probably around 3200 on this side, which traditionally has a lot more snow than the LW side. We donned spikes for efficiency much earlier than Chris' report, mainly out of efficiency. These stayed on until Guyot I believe, despite the first part of the ridge being bare. Probably somewhere around 3500. Firm monorail to start giving way to all snow with a shallow rail beginning to form. Where to step is quite evident, regardless. Muskrat's Zealand spur sign is there, which the odd little shape is actually the tallus slope as viewed from the Twins! Definitely the "jackpot" zone of snow between Zealand and Guyot, we are talking feet here, ~4'+ still judging by tree wells and knowing the corridor is about 8' tall and getting branches at my waist. Firm trails to here, though as the krumoltz got smaller, around noon, about an inch of corn snow atop. Spikes off at helipad, back on as we entered treeline on the other side of Guyot. Firm trail/rail intermixes from here, to West Bond, to Bond. West Bond rail was not as consistent or firm as what was encountered thus far - likely due to full late April sun. Spikes off at timberline, and back on just below Hillary's Step. Ridge to cliffs completely bare. Zero wind let me sit out on the photo rock. While mostly firm, the rail from Hillary's to about 3275 is rotting rapidly and unstable. How long it will continue to be viable remains to be seen. Spikes off here, and rest of day was just the death march out. Of note also, I did wear trail runners and only got damp feet on the way out - due to no longer caring about self preservation. So that should be an indicator of current trails. Congrats to Pretzel on making April, Zealand, and the Bonds all red!

Parking

Zealand was ~25% full at 630. I assume most folks have taken off for warmer weather. LW was less than this upon finish

Water Crossings

No issues with crossing above Z hut. All four seasonal crossings of Black Brook are flowing, but easily hoppable

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff Trail, Twinway, Mt Zealand path, Zealand Trail, Zealand Road

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

We did a traverse and started at Lincoln Woods. No wind on the trail and beautiful sunshine. No snow / monorail until mile 8. We bare booted until the descent of West Bond and down Twinway. Trail is in great condition until Twinway where we needed to be careful as the monorail was narrow and slippery. It did not crumble under us however so almost no postholing. Did not see a single person on the traverse.

Parking

Car spotted at Zealand and Lincoln Woods

Water Crossings

All of the water crossings were good. Did not get wet.

Wildlife

The flying kind are starting to wake up but nothing that bites.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Road walk, Zealand Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond spur, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Road walks are great. The big crossings are best in bare feet. The rest is a 2-3 foot eroding monorail. It's exactly what you'd expect for ZBonds in April, but at least the views were mostly great in the morning.

Parking

Plenty at Zealand road lot and Lincoln Woods

Water Crossings

Took off my shoes above the hut to make easy work of that crossing. 3-4 crossings on the lower part of Bondcliff and Lincoln woods are a bit tricky. My feet were wet, so I just waded through them. Was a nice shock to the system.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zealand Road, Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Lincoln Woods Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Well that was one of the sloggiest slogs I ever slogged. I decided to pivot to this hike after waking up to a favorable weather report. Temperature in the 50s, no/light winds and no rain. Trail conditions in a word are slow-going. I barebooted until about about a mile in from the trailhead then put on microspikes from there until Lincoln Woods. There were many stream crossings on the trail up to the hut as water was flowing pretty good. There were stable, unstable and knife edge monorails and hard pack trail which was difficult to see at times and plenty of times I found and plunged into the soft edge. From the top of the big climb up to Twinway until the breakout to Guyot and to and from West Bond, I got carwashed by the trees and was soaked through. I was very thankful for the high temperatures. Over Bond, there was intermittent snow but mostly rocky trail to Bondcliff then snow again in the woods until about a mile or two from Lincoln Woods. It was nice to see Steven again on Zealand road but there were no other humans on the trail. So, yay for me! I'm so glad to grab the peaks and grid out April!

Parking

Plenty of parking

Water Crossings

Except for the water crossing after Zealand hut, the crossings were rock hoppable or hoppable with some minor boot submergence. For the hut crossing, I went way upstream for the rushing water and found two large level rocks to walkover. I donned some very fashionable trash bags and crossed in shin deep water.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The way up was great...LW trail is still about 60% covered, but the freeze/thaw cycles have made the snow/ice grippy without traction. Bare Boots until the steeper section after the quick right turn/left turn zig zag, I think at about 2800'. Microspikes from there until the top of the Step approaching Bondcliff. Still a little snow after that, but no ice. Once out of the scrub, the snow is gone until about half way up Mt. Bond. It was nice to be walking not on snow for a while. Spikes back on when re-entering the trees about half way up Bond, and stayed on until the return from West Bond in the same spot. Spikes back after Bondcliff below the Step, and kept them on for longer on the descent as the snow that had been grippy on the ascent was predictably slushy on the way down, bare boots for the final 6 miles. 4 other Bonds hikers today, and a couple who were returning from jumping under Franconia Falls...(Brrrr!)

Parking

LW lot pretty empty at 7am...maybe 10 cars. $5/day, credit card, check, or cash. Restrooms warm and clean as usual.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zealand Road, Zealand Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Lincoln Woods

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Zearoad is rough, crusty mix of everything, zea trail is better as everyone actually walked in a single file instead of neurosis on the road making everywhere equally tedious. Spikes went on leaving the hut and stayed on until the old wilderness trail jct on Bondcliff trail at the start of the death march. Snowshoes stayed in the car which is good bc otherwise I likely woulda thrown them off Zeacliff, the stretch up to it from the hut was in the best shape from being northeast aspect. A semi consolidated mess showing the early signs of becoming monorail in the near future across twinway. Guyot was brutally punchy, collapsing crust and the mean alpine winds made me cry. Very mealy snowpack on the ridge over to treeline on Bondcliff and on West Bond spur. Semi punchy, kinda bony, and a little crusty on Bondcliff tho the winds mostly behaved thankfully. Mashy springy mess become very slushy on the stupid 1984 relo stretch which had lotsa open leaves and muddy wet puddles. Only a few railroad ties exposed w/minimal slushiness, most of the dirt patches were nice and dry on the last forever 5 miles out. Lotta semi-crusty mix of ice and slushy granular on LW

Parking

Winter lot has many open spots and quiet @LW

Water Crossings

Big step needed on the one above the hut. The bottom 3 on Bondcliff and the 1 on Zealand trails are rock hops. The top 2 on Bondcliff have decent snowbridges

Wildlife

N/A