Reply To: Solo Hikers on the Bonds

Hello Puck,

First of all, thanks for signing up for West Bond, one of the more spectular peaks in the Whites…

Second, I wouldn’t worry about hiking solo this time of year. Infact, you will be seeing MANY other hikers on the trails with the scenic peak you have chosen…

Third, if you are concerned about safety you might want to reconsider your route. Climbing West Bond from Zealand is a little shorter and a little easier than from the Wilderness Trail. It also is better sheltered from T-Storms (you avoid the heavily exposed section between Bondcliff and Bond), and has 2 staffed shelters (Zealand Hut and Guyot campsites/shelter). If you do encounter bad weather, I would advise heading to Guyot Shelter (.7 miles from W. Bond summit) as opposed to bushwhacking down to the Franconia Brook Trail which is tough going thru thick spruce trees up high (gets better down low), and certainly adds to making a bad situation worse…

If you are looking to add safety with a buddy system, try finding a partner by posting an event on VFTT, AZ, or GONE. There is a good chance that you might find another patriotic hiker to join you, but believe me, you will never be alone on the trails on a Saturday in the Pemi in Sept (unless there is a hurricane coming)…