Trails Used

Rocky Branch trail, bushwhacks, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

With it being a new month and having learned from my first grid to not leave some of the more tedious hikes until the end (3 back to back months of Isolation leaves a mark on your soul) I wanted to get this one again while the conditions were good. Today the conditions were great and I really enjoyed puttering along through the woods. The trail is nice and dry right now which makes for faster ascending. There are still the usual mud pits but the stepping rocks are all easy to see so you can pick your way through them and stay relatively clean. I used the Molehill whack and cut off the first 2 water crossings. There are some pretty muddy sections in there. I just poked around until I found spots that seemed more supportive. The crossing at Iso Express was easy. Iso Express was easy to follow now that I have done it so many times and the footing is soft and just lovely. I only saw one person all day and he was the one who has stayed overnight and was on his way out. I had the summit to myself and the views were just gorgeous. So grateful for today. Just wow.

Parking

There was one car in the lot that had been there overnight. When I returned that car was gone and there were only 2 other cars beside mine. The lot is huge with plenty of room for many cars. No fee to park.

Water Crossings

Very low water right now so easy rock hopping

Wildlife

Not an issue. No issues with hornets either.

Trails Used

Rocky Branch trail, bushwhacks, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

I knew this would be a mud fest thanks to the rain yesterday but I was fine with that. Sure enough, that was the case. Much of the trail was damp with some seriously squelchy areas. The rocks were still wet this morning but were drying nicely by the time I was on my way down. I tried to avoid most of the mud on the way up but gave up after it got too tedious. None of it was supportive. The wet sections of Rocky Branch were definitely wet but I was pretty successful rock hopping to avoid dunking my feet. I took the Molehill whack to avoid the first 2 water crossings and there were some areas of deep mud on that one. Iso Express was wet also with some significant mud in spots but the dampness of the trail gave me pretty good footing overall. Davis Path was just damp and the rocks were drying nicely by the time I was ascending. I only saw one person all day and had the summit totally to myself. I cleared so many spider webs and found 4 spiders on my going for a ride. I gently relocated them back on the trail. The views were incredible today and it was a good reminder of why this is such a sweet little peak. Just a fine morning to be outside.

Parking

I was the first car in the lot at 6:35a and there were a handful more upon my return. The lot is huge with plenty of parking available. I was happy to see Steve K's car parked next to mine and used my spidey senses to assume he was doing a traverse from Glen Boulder.

Water Crossings

Pretty easy rock hops even for us vertically challenged folks. Some minor gymnastics may have been involved since I used the usual Iso Express crossing as opposed to the one I usually use further downstream.

Wildlife

None seen or eaten. It was a good day.

Trails Used

Glen Boulder, Davis,Isolation, Rocky Branch

Trail Conditions

Notes

Glen Boulder trail was dry with great views. Davis Path was similar. Isolation trail dry as well. Good visibility at the summit with some high clouds. Temps in 90s when I started. Mid 60s with a breeze above treeline. Rocky Branch was a long slog with lots of rock hopping. 9 hours total.

Water Crossings

Low water, easy crossings

Wildlife

Minor

Trails Used

Glen Boulder, Davis Path, Davis Path Spur B, Davis Path, Glen Boulder

Trail Conditions

Notes

This is the year of Isolation for me... It happens when you avoid it but need it for a list... Once entering the scrub on Davis Path towards Isolation, the trail is a mix of dry trail and mud. The mud appears to be solidifying a bit in places, but prepare for a mix of tiptoeing on rocks, branches, and old plank bridges. There are a few spots that you might find yourself stepping, wondering if it is a tip of a rock or mud. Sometimes you will get lucky; sometimes you won't. Very quiet morning, not seeing anybody until my return to below Glen Boulder where a group was headed up to celebrate one of the members' finish to the NH 48. Congrats! Beautiful morning but warm and HUMID. Another spot-on report for the Higher Summits Forecast.

Water Crossings

Water is flowing at crossings on Glen Boulder Trail, but nothing to get wet on. Rocks were wet but not slippery.

Wildlife

Tale of the sun and cobwebs being cleared. Nothing flying early this morning as I ate cobwebs, but on the return between the Rocky Branch trail intersection and the big boulder the bugs came out by the thousands in the scrub. Nothing really biting, but by closing my mouth (a trick I learned yesterday on Moosilauke!), I kept the bug intake to a minimum.

Trails Used

Rocky Branch Trail : Isolation Trail : Davis Path : spur trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

As expected, there was running/standing water on the Rocky Branch Trail and the Isolation Trail. Most of the water and muck can be avoided by using rocks or using well-worn short by-passes. The mud was dryer than usual on the Davis Path. There are other stretches of dry trail especially the ascent from the trailhead to the height of land on the Rocky Branch Trail. There are primitive campsites off Rocky Branch Trail just before reaching the crossing of Rocky Branch River (signed). There is another campsite high up on the Isolation Trail East (signed). There are good views from the open summit of Mt Isolation. There are two markers at the summit. There are a couple of places on the Davis Path that allow for some views. Most of the trail is a forest hike with stretches of wet trail. Hiked a good portion of the trail with Randy (Hopkinton MA) and Miles (Nottingham NH).

Parking

Plenty of room on the lot just off route 16.

Water Crossings

All crossings of Rocky Branch were not difficult. Rock hops with some wet surfaces. Avoided the 2nd & 3rd crossings on the Isolation Trail by using the herd path by-pass.

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Dry River Trail, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

1st time on Dry River & Isolation, a rugged & wild trip to get ISO. I never experienced the trails before Irene but had hiked from the campground with my kids 25 years ago to go swimming and the change is unbelievable! Lost the trail briefly just before the Mt Clinton trail, missed the 2nd cairn. Once at the 1st slide it was slow going, a definite no fall area. It was even worse on the return trip. Slow going in many areas, I expected a 10 hour day & came in just over that time. Really peaceful with only 3 seen on Dry River, 4 on Isolation. Once on Davis it’s wet& muddy in the usual spots but not terrible. Only 9 seen on top, saw 1 dog who finished, & then 2 women who also finished….congrats! Also met a woman who is 93% thru her 2nd grid, amazing! Faster down but I was on the struggle bus, no breeze very humid in the woods. I had a blast but not sure I would go this way again! This grids out July!

Parking

Roadside on side of Rt 302

Water Crossings

No issue

Wildlife

Not biting but in my face on the way down

Trails Used

Rocky Branch trail, bushwhacks, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

I decided to take the more direct path for Isolation this month and just to change it up. I also wanted to dust off my navigational skills in the non-winter season so this was perfect. Rocky Branch trail was mostly dry down low with the usual standing water and mud pits once it levels off. I knew Engine Hill would be a swamp so I opted for the molehill whack instead which I found with no issues and only had to check my gps once to be sure I was on track. I popped out on Rocky Branch right where I expected. Iso Express started with a fairly well defined herd path but then it disappeared. I had great gps tracks from my gridiot pals as well as detailed instructions for this stretch and they were spot on. I continue to whack higher and found the herd path reappeared before long. From there on out the path was pretty easy to follow. It disappeared a few times but memory from past hikes kept me on the correct track and I did check the gps 2 more times to be sure. Davis path was mostly dry as was the Isolation spur. The weather was perfect today and I was fortunate to bump into Jason, Alan, and Michael which was lovely. Great day on trail with many happy hikers and backpackers!

Parking

There were several cars in the lot when I arrived at 6:15am and many of them were still there when I returned so maybe they were car spots? Upon my return there were a number of cars parked but still lots of room for more.

Water Crossings

I used the molehill bushwhack to "cut the corner" and avoid the first 2 crossings. The crossing at the start of Iso Express was a nice rock hop. I went a tad downstream to cross in my favorite spot on the ascent and then used the regular spot to cross on my return. Short legs could easily cross in either spot.

Wildlife

I inhaled one fly today but blame the fly for deciding that my nose was where they wanted to be. That's not on me. Bugs were really not an issue today.

Trails Used

Glen Boulder Trail, Davis Path, Davis Path Spur B, Davis Path, Boott Spur, Boott Spur Link, Tuckerman Ravine, Road run

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great trip today. Very quiet until entering the Mount Washington weekend zone. Cool temps this morning and a nice breeze up top above treeline.

Parking

Glen Ellis Falls parking had about 10 cars around 7:30, overflowing on return around noon.

Water Crossings

Nothing to note or worry about at this point.

Wildlife

Nothing really to note except for around water and mud holes.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Glenn Boulder, Davis Path, Isolation Spur, Lawn Cutoff, Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Alpine Garden Trail, Lion's Head, Road Walk

Trail Conditions

Notes

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.

Parking

Plenty in the morning, packed lots in the afternoon

Water Crossings

Nothing too bad

Wildlife

Scattered spots, but bug spray wasn't needed

Trails Used

Glen Boulder Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

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.

Parking

I was the second car at the Glen Ellis parking area. $5 to park or the WMNF pass. Neither restroom had toilet paper upon my arrival (but I carry my own for just such situations...) but were well stocked upon my return. Plenty of room to park.

Water Crossings

All the little stream crossings were not an issue and there are many places along Glen Boulder trail to filter water.

Wildlife

Mosquitos down low and black flies above treeline. On my return the clouds had really come in which seemed to keep the bugs at bay. The summit of Isolation has been claimed by black flies. I waved my white flag and surrendered to them and ran for my life.

Trails Used

Glen Boulder Trail, Davis Path to Isolation Summit then Davis Path, Rocky Branch out to Rocky Branch Parking

Trail Conditions

Notes

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.

Parking

Both Glen Ellis Falls parking lot and Rocky Branch Trailhead parking had plenty of room. $5 fee for Glenn Ellis

Water Crossings

Three crossings on Isolation Trail were easy rock hops

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Rocky Branch, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

We were out doing our trail maintenance and primarily focused on Isolation East. We took out a couple dozen blow downs, only a few major ones though. We spent the most time brushing the last 0.75mi to the Davis junction and we are quite proud of the transformation! We will be back in July to pay more attention to Davis path (Glen Boulder junction to Iso summit) as well as Isolation West.

Water Crossings

First crossing is the most difficult but easiest slightly upstream from the official crossing (50 feet upstream), the rest were easy. I want to petition to make the official trail skip the 3rd and 4th crossing because the herd path is so well defined now, but the official tentsite between the crossings is reason to keep it.

Wildlife

Brutal black flies out right now!

Trails Used

Glenn Boulder, Davis path, Isolation trail, Rocky Branch trail, bushwack

Trail Conditions

Notes

What a great day to return to hiking 4k's to help Sarah finish off her grid on Isolation. The trails were in great shape today all the way up and down to Isolation today. With the usual wet,muddy and stream running down the trail. After all it is Rocky Branch. On the way out I made a detour for South engine hill off of RB trail at about 2900 feet. I headed SSW and found many moose trails and some thick trees to push through to the summit. I found the jar still in good shape hanging on a tree right next to a small cairn at the southern side of the summit. On the way out I headed due east down some wide open birch glades to about 2800ft then paralleled that elevation due south till I popped back out on RB about 100 yards above the wilderness sign.

Parking

Plenty

Water Crossings

All hoppable

Wildlife

Not too bad except for the summit of Isolation was covered in black flies

Trails Used

Rocky Branch, herd path, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation spur path

Trail Conditions

Notes

I had planned to take the Iso Express bushwhack, but a sign at the trailhead warning about erosion caused by using popular bushwhacks without snowpack shamed me out of doing that. I did take a couple of smaller bushwhacks to avoid crossing the river so many times. Many sections of the trails were wet which I think is normal for this route. There are lots of rocks and logs to step on so a very graceful person might be able to keep their feet dry. But in my experience, at some point you will probably make a misstep that submerges your foot ankle-deep in mud and/or water. Still a great hike though!

Parking

Decent sized lot. Only one other car around 9am on a sunny weekday.

Water Crossings

I avoided a few of them by bushwhacking- the one I didn't avoid was rock hoppable with some effort.

Wildlife

They are definitely out, although they weren't particularly bothersome until the summit. Up there it was a blackfly apocalypse!

Trails Used

Glen Boulder, Davis Path, Davis Path Spur, herd path, Isolation Trail, herd path, Rocky Branch

Trail Conditions

Notes

We car spotted and hiked the Glen Boulder to Rocky Branch Traverse. The absolute best way to get Isolation. The weather was beautiful. Great views on Glen Boulder. We took two bw's/herd paths: Iso and mini engine hill. The herd paths were pleasant and easy to follow. There are some muddy areas but manageable. Just watch your step as the mud is deep in some spots. No snow except for a few small patches. There is some significant running water on parts of Rocky Branch. We encountered some bugs mostly coming down on Rocky Branch. The breeze kept them away until then. One water crossing after the ISO BW which was fine.

Parking

$5 parking with a lot of space at Glen Boulder. No fee at Rocky Branch and also plenty of parking spaces.

Water Crossings

We had one water crossing which was easy to navigate

Wildlife

yes! the black flies are out but were mostly annoying on the final descent on Rocky Branch. Bug repellant and bug nets kept them at bay

Trails Used

Glen Boulder, Davis Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

A terrific day out on trail. Glen Boulder is in great condition. The one crossing was easy. No snow or ice. Davis path is in good shape but had a few spots of significant mud. The mud on 5/27 was navigable with waterproof trail runners but could get bad with the forecasted precipitation coming up. Davis Path had trace amounts of snow. No traction is required. Davis Path also has a few blow downs but nothing of issue. It looks like someone cleared some of the more obstructive trees.

Parking

$5. Clean toilets. Lots of parking on a weekday.

Water Crossings

easy peasy

Wildlife

Present but not terrible for late May. We ended up using repellant.

Trails Used

ROcky Branch Trail, Engine Hill, Iso Express

Trail Conditions

Notes

This trail is what it is. Rocky, muddy, streams, but it goes through beautiful open woods. Engine Hill is very hard to follow and wet but has some of the most beautiful birch glades you'll ever see. Also has a ton of moose poop. Iso Express is difficult to follow at the very beginning, but then is easier to follow the footbed. Love the unique view at the top!

Water Crossings

Water level was low enough to cross the stream without getting wet.

Trails Used

Glen boulder, Davis trail, rocky branch

Trail Conditions

Notes

Only a couple of small patches of snow (easily avoidable) after north isolation but traction is not needed at all. A lot of blowdowns from north isolation to halfway down rocky branch. Trails are waterlogged with significant mud - waterproof shoes, gators and poles were essential. Bushwhacked around two water crossings - the other two were rock hoppable.

Water Crossings

A few water crossings - waterproof boots and gators are important

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Glen Boulder, Davis Path

Trail Conditions

Parking

Parking lot was great.

Water Crossings

Water crossing was a breeze, no issues.

Wildlife

No bugs at all!

Trails Used

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

Trail Conditions

Notes

Glen Boulder Trail and Davis Path still had significant snow above spring spur - recommended allowing more time for melt. Isolation Trail and Rocky Branch were wet and muddy as typical. Stayed at signed tentsite and observed both sunset and sunrise.

Water Crossings

Uppermost water crossing on Isolation Trail was rock hoppable. Other crossings bypassed by following herd paths to avoid wading.

Wildlife

Saw a rabbit. Only one other group encountered.

Trails Used

Rocky Branch, Low Engine Hill Herd Path, Isolation Trail, Iso Express Herd Path, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Conditions were pretty standard. Dry trail, mud, river running down trail, lots of rock steps, significant mud, repeat all of the above. Both herd paths were easy to follow and in good shape. Iso Express is a bit wetter but still good. One small snow "field" at the top of the Iso Express before Davis Path. Very stable and walked over it. a couple of small patches on Davis Path. Temps and wind made this a sit at the summit day!

Parking

Plenty of room in paved lot

Water Crossings

Crossing of Rocky Branch at the start of Iso Express was easy rock hop in a number of locations.

Wildlife

They were out on the ascent from the parking lot and descent back to lot BUT they were not biting and the breeze kept them away for the most part. From height of land to peak and back they were of no issue.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Rocky Branch, bushwhack, Davis Path, Davis Spur, bushwhack, Rocky Branch

Trail Conditions

Notes

Rocky Branch was it's usual ditch of running water on both sides of the height of land. We bushwhacked over the top of Rocky Branch Ridge which added some elevation but was perfectly dry. Davis Path to Isolation had some remaining monorail but traction was not needed. We cleaned several blow downs on Davis Path between Isolation and Davis Spur. Our bushwhack route from the col between Isolation and Davis was a beauty. Several areas of thick vegetation but we made it easily down to the second (from the south) water crossing of the Rocky Branch trail.

Water Crossings

All crossings made by walking on the mostly dry tops of rocks

Wildlife

Black flies below 2,700'

Trails Used

Rocky Branch, bushwhack, Isolation, Davis Path, Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Did you know the Rocky Branch Trail is named after Rocky Branch Railroad, which operated from 1908-1913 until wildfires shut it down in 1914 leading to the removal of the rails? At one point they considered naming it "Rocky Branch with Six Inches of Water on Top of It Railroad", but the people on the ground thought their bosses back in Boston might question their judgement in building a railroad in a section of the Whites that is clearly flooded for the 7 months a year it's not under snow. To this day, if you stop rock hopping long enough to pick your head up, you might just see dozens of yards of straight, even water where a railroad bed used to be. Anyway, it was Iso in the spring. It's wet. There are blow downs. But it isn't hard, it's just long. Put on your best mud shoes and enjoy the great views up top.

Parking

Plenty of spots in the morning and afternoon at Rocky Branch trailhead.

Water Crossings

The water crossing on Isolation trail about 5 miles from the trailhead is just deep enough to be tricky. Plan on taking your shoes off, or just wading for 3-4 steps if you have trail runners that drain quickly.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Glen Boulder Trail, Davis Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Snow wasn't abundant, only covered maybe 10% of the trail. It was very sticky and the monorail was mostly stable in shaded areas. Microspikes recommended but should hopefully not be needed by most individuals.

Parking

The parking at Glen Ellis Falls is usually suitable, but since it is closed during the spring, there is parking available for free on either side of the entrance alongside rt16.

Water Crossings

One water crossing at lower elevation on the Glen Boulder trail; very manageable, even after a week of constant rain.

Trails Used

Rocky Branch, Mt Isolation, Davis Path and Mt Isolation Spur Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Pretty good for this wet May. No snow until 3500' and more consistent snow above 3700'. Monorails were mostly snow and sticky so no spikes needed today but I'd recommend carrying them as the monorails may become icy and more narrow.

Parking

No cars when I arrived at 615 and just 3 other parties out there today.

Water Crossings

Easily rock hopped with a few slick rocks so care is advisable.

Wildlife

Happily none today!

Trails Used

Rocky Branch, Engine Molehill, Mt Isolation, Iso Express, Davis Path and Mt Isolation Spur Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Overall great conditions for this wet May! Trail runners trailhead to trailhead and spikes got a free ride. Typically wet and spongy conditions in the usual areas of all the trails. Snow started at 3500' and more consistent above 3700' on the Iso Express. Davis Path and the Spur Trail is a mix of snow and bare ground and remnant monorails which were easily avoided on the edges or sticky enough to walk on without sliding much (a little bit on the summit Spur Trail descent). But carrying spikes is still prudent as that monorail might get icy in the right (wrong) conditions.

Parking

Mine was the 1st car in the parking lot and just 3 other parties out there today.

Water Crossings

Iso Express water crossing was pretty easy rock hops. A couple of rocks in the middle of the crossing were a little slick but careful stepping was warranted.

Wildlife

Happily none!

Trails Used

Rocky Branch trail, bushwhacks, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

We started in the rain on a damp trail. As we ascended there was more water on the trail and things got muddier. The usual areas on Rocky Branch had lots of standing and flowing water. As we reached the height of land the rain switched to snow. The made the rocks a little more slippery. The trail turned into the typical stream and we picked our way through. The shorter bushwhack had some areas of deep mud. The descent to the river on Iso Express was slick with some ice covered by the new snow. Iso express was tricky in terms of route finding. We had 3 tracks running and used all 3 to navigate. Despite that, we still were off track for the first part of the whack. We were close and our tracks will get you there (if you can even see them) but we were off. We found the path again for the last part of the bushwhack and that track is spot on. There is some monorail on and off down low on Iso Express but it isn't always stable. Higher up there is still an impressive monorail but it is also not always stable and if you deviate from it, you will posthole a good 3 feet in spots. Davis path had some areas of bare trail and rock and some areas with stable monorail. We finally put on spikes for the Isolation spur trail and kept them on for the descent until we had recrossed the river. This was a heck of a day with an all star crew! Tonia and I both gridded out this peak and she reached 575 today. Woot woot!!

Parking

Plenty of room.

Water Crossings

We used the shorter 1st bushwack which cuts the corner and bypasses the first 2 water crossings. Those crossings did look higher than we would like so we were glad by could skip them. The crossing on Iso Express we crossed downstream using a zig zag across the flattest rocks. No one fell in or dunked any feet.

Wildlife

Still in Hell

Trails Used

Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation East, Bushwhack, Davis Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Good conditions for Isolation at the moment. Easy hiking up to the height of land along Rocky Branch Trail, followed by half running water on the trail and half dry trail down to the Isolation East junction. Isolation East was in fine shape for the mile I traveled along it. Iso Express whack started with a narrow monorail for a few tenths of a mile before becoming sporadic for a few tenths of a mile. If you're not familiar with the route, use caution as there are a few tricky spots where you could venture off the standard whack. The second half of Iso Express had an easy-to-follow monorail, sometimes narrow, but it was supportive. This is where I put on rock spikes and left them on until coming back down, except for the totally bare summit. Great morning to head to Isolation to take in the views of the Southern Presi's. Sarge and I saw one other happy hiker out and about, enjoying the day.

Parking

Plenty of parking at Rocky Branch Trailhead off NH 16

Water Crossings

The crossing at the Rocky Branch / Iso East junction can be rock hopped by going downstream about fifty feet. The other two crossings, along Iso East and at beginning of Iso Express, were easily rock hopped on Sunday morning.

Trails Used

Rocky Branch, Isolation, Davis Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

The usual first bushwhack looked extremely wet. I skipped it today. I went down to the Rocky Branch at the start of the second whack. Definitely possible to cross and there is a good monorail on the other side but the snow was soft at this elevation and didn't want to venture in without at least snowshoes. The Isolation trail before the final crossing of Rocky Branch is pretty much clear. After the crossing there's plenty of deep snow. It was mostly supportive with only a very occasional post hole but I can imagine a little bit warmer and it could be tough going. I carried microspikes but did not use them.

Parking

Only car in the lot. There's a large pile of freeze dried food bags that were left at the trailhead.

Water Crossings

On the way in, I bushwhacked around the crossings at the intersection of the Rocky Branch and Isolation trails. This saved a little time and distance and was only slightly annoying. On the way out for variety, I skipped the bushwhack and did not have any problems with the crossings. The upper crossings were also not difficult today.

Trails Used

Rocky Branch trail, bushwhacks, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

This was a roll of the dice that paid off big time. I had done this same hike on Monday (March, you know) with good conditions but needed it again (April, you know). I was worried about the water crossing so I packed waterproof boot covers and trash bags and was prepared for the worst. What I found was ice down low that was perfect for spikes. The usual open areas on Rocky Branch were more open than Monday. I apologized to my spikes for beating them up but had no issues. There are some open areas on the bushwhacks that also weren't there Monday. I know the bushwhacks well but will say that if you don't know them, download a GPS track if you plan to use them. The rain washed away a lot of the previous tracks which can make navigating tricky. The colder temps made the trail nice and firm but things were getting slushy again on my descent. The actual summit is pretty bare for the most part. It was great to bump into Kyle L today too! He was the only other person out.

Parking

Plenty of room and ice free

Water Crossings

I crossed successfully downstream and used a variety of rocks, logs, and creative dance moves but stayed dry and upright without employing trash bags.

Wildlife

Still in Hell

Trails Used

Rocky Branch trail, bushwhacks, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I started in bare boots and used no traction until the river crossing. The snow was quite firm early this morning and I had pretty good traction even over the ice. At the water crossing, I opted for Hillsound Pros because it was getting warm and I figured the snow would be sticky plus I like the longer spikes to bite into softening snow. They worked well. The snow was balling up on my poles but my feet were pretty okay. I kept them on all the way back to my car. The trail held up well despite the temps making it to 60 degrees but the top layer totally turned to slush so I was kind of skiing all the way down. I am light enough that I stayed on top and did not posthole at all but snowshoes may be needed it you weigh more than a 5th grader. Pretty nice spring conditions out there today!

Parking

The parking area was free of ice and snow and had oodles of open spots.

Water Crossings

I opted to head to the left to cross the river. There was still the remnants of a snow bridge in places and I just checked to be sure I was on rocks and not ice. No wet feet. :) I packed trash bags due to the PTSD I had from this crossing last March but this was a piece of cake even for a very funsized human.

Wildlife

I saw one mosquito. I gave it a very dirty look.

Trails Used

Rocky Branch Trail, Bushwhack, Davis Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Some bare trail in the first two miles, then coverage stays pretty good to the top. The iso express water crossing is on its last legs, I’d expect that to be gone in the next few days. Be prepared to bring snowshoes and go on the regular trail if hiking after April 1st. A few spots on the engine hill bushwhack that are starting to melt out but still passable.

Water Crossings

ISO Express water crossing is almost gone

Trails Used

Rocky Branch Trail, Bushwhack, Davis Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Some bare trail in the first two miles, then coverage stays pretty good to the top. The iso express water crossing is on its last legs, I’d expect that to be gone in the next few days. Be prepared to bring snowshoes and go on the regular trail if hiking after April 1st. A few spots on the engine hill bushwhack that are starting to melt out but still passable. I posted pictures on AllTrails of the conditions.

Water Crossings

ISO Express water crossing is almost gone

Trails Used

Rocky Branch, Davis Path, bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Typical spring with a bonus 20-25 degrees day, so the snow was very hard, sometimes even beside the trail, so microspikes were used throughout, though it might become needed for snowshoes soon and will continue to disintegrate and fill in with postholes. I fell through a few times, not my normal thing, but mostly in the engine hill bushwhack and ISO bushwhack, which are both very choppy, but often felt easier to step into the frozen post holes than not, so that’s why I kept spikes on, it felt easier to dance around the Swiss cheese monorail! It was exhausting, and wonderful, and striking as usual - I recommend this on a cold day but many open water areas are opening - large stretches of water already on trail with muddy patches, so I’d try this soon or wait until the snow melts completely and this turns into a swamp again! Yay!

Parking

Easy and bare cement (no ice)

Water Crossings

The crossing was still mostly snow and ice bridged, but it’s not in the typical place, you need to look to the left when you reach the river and hike maybe 20-30 feet downriver and can see the tracks across, it felt stable with one pole

Wildlife

Not yet

Trails Used

Rocky Branch Trail, bushwhacks, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

2-4” of fresh snow made for nice conditions right out of the parking lot. We wore spikes as did 3 others that started before us. I chose to switch to snowshoes before the first bushwhack. The trail was solid and the fresh snow made for pretty decent conditions. The usual wet spots were easy to get through/over or around. The crossing was fairly easy with careful footing. Water level was ok. We followed someone else’s tracks on the next bushwhack and it was hell! OMG ducking/diving,squeezing through total crap. Should have checked out tracks 1 or 2 more times before that point. Finally on Davis Path and pretty smooth sailing to the summit. Tossed on all the layers before heading up to the summit. On the descent we to the correct whack and life was good. No problem crossing again. Both of us had been in snowshoes for a while by now and they stayed on all the way to the car. I think the trail was nicely frosted after we finished. Conditions much better than expected!

Parking

There might have been 6 cars in the lot

Water Crossings

The big crossing still had ice and snow covered rocks which made for easy crossing with careful foot placement.

Wildlife

No bugs