Summary

READ CAREFULLY...THIS BACKPACK REQUIRES A HUT RESERVATION BEFORE SIGNING UP...SEE LINK UNDER LODGING!!

Join me for one of my favorite hikes in the White Mountains...a trip across the Bonds through the heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.  This trip will include hiking over Mt. Hale (4054'), Zeacliff, Mt. Zealand (4260'), Mt. Guyot (4580'), West Bond (4540'), Mt. Bond (4698') and Bondcliff (4265').  This ridgeline traverses the most remote part of the wilderness and it provides amazing views towards many of the surrounding prominent peaks/ranges.  These include the Franconia Ridge, Willey Range, the Twins, Garfield, the Osceolas, Carrigain, Hancocks, Owl's Head, and Mt. Washington.  We'll hike over Mt. Hale on Saturday on our way out to the Zealand Hut and on Sunday, we'll traverse the ridgeline through the Pemigewasset Wilderness and over these magnificient peaks!

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  On Saturday we'll hike 5.0 miles over Mt. Hale to Zealand Falls Hut, where we will spend the night (approximately 2580 feet in elevation gain).  On Sunday, we'll traverse the Bonds via Mt. Zealand.  This will be approximately 16.9 miles and 3700 feet in elevation gain (the final 4.7 miles are flat).  NOTE:  If Zealand Road is already gated for the season, we will NOT hike Mt. Hale on the way out to the hut, as it will be a 6 mile walk to the hut from Route 302 (although with minimal elevation gain).

Total Time:  Approximately 4.5-5 hours on Saturday and 10-10.5 hours on Sunday depending on breaks and group's speed.   NOTE:  Because of time change and length of daylight, we will be on the trail on Sunday by 6AM.  We should be done by 4:30PM on Sunday afternoon.

Harsh weather may cause the route to be modified, but it will not be cancelled or re-scheduled due to the hut reservation.

What to Bring:  Minimally, you will need a pack, suitably-rated sleeping bag (a 20 degree bag should be sufficient), extra dry clothes/microfiber towel, food for 2 lunches, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast, eating utensils/cup/etc, toiletries, headlamp, microspikes, etc.  Typical pre-winter hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants with thermals, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and winter layers (fleece/winter parka).  Snacks and at least 2 liters of water (water is available at the hut and at the Guyot Campsite along the ridge).  Optionally, pack sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a multi-day hike.  NOTE:  We'll be staying in the Zealand Falls Hut.  This time of year the hut is SELF-SERVICE.  The caretaker usually heats the common room in the evening, but be prepared for cold indoor conditions, particularly in the bunk rooms.  Also, the caretaker usually has boiled water available at dinner and breakfast.  You may wish to consider bringing dehydrated meals (e.g. MountainHouse) or something equally simple.

Lodging:  We'll be staying Saturday night at the Zealand Falls Hut.  Each participant will need to make their own reservation for November 12.  Reservations can be made online at
AMC Zealand Falls Hut
or through their Reservations Department at 603-466-2727.
Offseason rates:  $44 for AMC members and $53 for non-members.
PLEASE MAKE THIS RESERVATION BEFORE SIGNING UP!
(AS OF 8/17/16, THERE WERE 18 SPACES OPEN AT THE HUT)

Afterwards:  On Sunday, we may go out to dinner in Lincoln before or after retrieving the other cars, if there is sufficient interest.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

From Routes 93, take Exit 32 for Lincoln:  At the end of the ramp, take a left onto Route 112 East (Kancamagus Highway) and travel for 5.1 miles to the Lincoln Woods parking lot.  It will be signed and on the left.

From the intersection of Routes 113 and 112 in Conway, travel 30 miles west on Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) to the Lincoln Woods parking lot.  It will be signed and on the right.

It's a rather large parking lot, but look for a Hyundai Elantra (with me standing nearby). 

Once we're all together, we will carpool up to the Zealand Road.

GPS Users:  44.063449, -71.589189 (Kancamagus Highway; Licoln, NH)