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Mount Isolation is as its name implies one of the most remote peaks in the White Mountains, located in the midst of the Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness. It is one of the least-visited 4000-footers, and one of the few not visible from a public highway. The summit itself is bare with views in all directions, although most or all of the approach is wooded.
The Trailwrights also list a 4293-foot peak about a mile N of Mount Isolation as "North Isolation". This peak is maybe 50 yards W of the Davis Path and offers limited views through trees. It is actually a shorter hike than Mount Isolation if done by trail from NH Route 16.
The summit is reached by a .1 mile spur trail off the Davis Path. There was no sign for this trail in 2004, perhaps because it is not an official trail according to the Forest Service. [See map on page E-37 of the Proposed Wilderness Management Plan.] Look for a path leading steeply uphill to the W just S of a sign for the Davis Path.
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2004-2005 map G/H-8
DeLorme NHA&G 44-D7
Owner: White Mountain National Forest, some approaches state and private
Special regulations: Summit and most of approach in Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness, summit in Alpine Zone with no camping allowed
As befits Mount Isolation's central location in the southern Presidentials, there are potential trailheads in almost every direction. The routes below are chosen as potential day hikes, ranging from a long day to a very long day for an average hiker.
These routes can of course also be done as overnight hikes; backpackers might also consider the entire Davis Path to Mount Washington, and hut-hoppers can go from Mizpah Spring Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut via Dry River Cutoff to Mount Isolation to Boott Spur rather than the traditional Crawford Path.
Various bushwhack routes can be used either to reduce the number of brook crossings or the length of the hike, particularly in winter when following the trail may not be easy. One popular variation ["D" on the map below] leaves the Rocky Branch Trail from NH Route 16 perhaps .3 miles above the crossing of Rocky Branch and circles R nearly on contour to the Isolation Trail above its southernmost crossing of Rocky Branch. This saves only about .4 miles of distance and 100 feet of elevation gain but most importantly eliminates a double crossing of Rocky Branch. Winter hikers sometimes use a longer bushwhack that starts higher up.
Another variation ["E" on the map below] can be used either in conjunction with "D" or by itself to shorten the distance by over a mile and eliminate another double crossing of Rocky Branch not shown on the USGS map. This route follows a major tributary of Rocky Branch to intercept the Davis Path at a col just N of Mount Isolation. In the downward direction, a start can be made opposite the Isolation summit spur but this may be too steep to be pleasant in the uphill direction.
The shortest route ["F" on the map below] can be used to shorten the distance by over 1.5 miles and eliminate four crossings of Rocky Branch. This follows a minor valley to the col between Mount Isolation and Mount Davis, and is somewhat thicker with some steeper sections than "E".
Bushwhack routes to Mount Isolation
Map Notes: The USGS 7.5' map incorrectly shows the summit on the main Davis Path when it is actually on a spur trail
Isolation spur junction [5/02]
Abandoned saw on bushwhack route (removal prohibited by federal law) [5/02]
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