Mt. Isolation - Rocky Branch Trail, bushwhack, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur - 2-1-2014

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Mt. Isolation, NH

	Trails:	Rocky Branch Trail, bushwhack, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, February 1, 2014

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	15 cars at 7:15. Over two dozen at 2 pm. Many XC skiers.

	Surface Conditions:	Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder

	Recommended Equipment:	Snowshoes

	Water Crossing Notes:	The 5th crossing was frozen over but I could still hear ruining water. I followed the bypass on the east bank to avoid the 3rd and 4th crossing since they were untracked. On the way back there were tracks so I crossed both with out any issue.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	A few duck unders but nothing to cause concern.

	Dog-Related Notes:	We started behind a couple groups but once on the Isolation Tr we were in the lead and Marlie took charge. We met Paprika and Joe on the Rocky Branch Tr then a well behaved pit bull on the Isolation Tr that was climbing her first 4K. Easy walking for dogs today.

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:	I found a black fleece OR g glove on the Engine Hill Whack.


	Comments:	I'm kicking myself I'm the butt for not climbing a 5k today but what can you do. The trails were well packed and we made great time. I started barebooting but got tired of carrying my snow shoes so I put them on after a mile. While the trails could be barebooted the whack would have been difficult without them. I headed in at the T tree and followed the single track. Probably from Pepper and Me and one other person that had come back on it. It was easy going with a few wet spots but nothing more than the bottom of my snow shoes got wet. Many seemed to be heading further west on Rocky Branch before starting to whack but I wanted to check out the birches. This track met the Isolation Tr about 10 minutes below the 3rd crossing. At the tent sites near Davis Path I took a left through a site and cut off the corner to Davis Path. There were no tracks heading south of the Mt Isolation Spur. Had the summit to ourselves at 11 am for as long as we wanted. Excellent views and no wind. I hiked most of the day without gloves or a hat. A perfect winter hike. 13+- mi 3250+- elev+ 6 hr 25 min

	Name:	IQuest

	E-Mail:	iandanner@hotmail com

	Date Submitted:	2014-02-01

	Link:	https://
		Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.