Feeling full of inspiration? Come hike Isolation!

Details: This will be an advanced trip of 11 miles and around 4000 feet elevation gain. We will be taking the road less traveled to traverse Isolation in the winter via Glen Boulder to Rocky Branch, which means we climb above treeline to >5000ft to take in the views just to hike back down to our measly 4003ft peak! There’s potential that we will need to break trail for a couple miles, so you’ll want to be a fan of snowshoes. This also means the day will likely be 10+ hours of hiking, so we’ll probably try to stay at Intervale Friday evening for an early start Saturday.

Distance and elevation gain may vary slightly based on potential for some route variations (such as Boott Spur, the Iso Express bushwhack, and Engine Hill bushwhack) depending on your leaders’ read of trail condition reports before the trip. Be prepared for innovation

Route map is here

For an above-treeline hike of this length, previous winter hiking experience is required! You should feel comfortable with layering and with managing your own nutrition/hydration. In addition, you should have experience hiking similar mileage and elevation gain (11mi, 4000ft) with a moderately heavy backpack during any season.

Please budget for the following expenses: $5 trip fee, $30-50 carpooling costs, possible gear rentals (capped at $20 including trip fee) and eventual food you buy along the way.

Logistics: We will need a couple drivers for this trip! Please update your car status if you can drive others. If not, please select "not driving" or "will drive self". You must be prepared to rent a car if you have selected "willing to rent." (MIT provides discounted car rental to affiliates, and we'll evenly split rental/gas costs).

There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting at the MITOC Office at 6:15pm on Thursday

We reserve the right to select participants based on previous experience. Being selected in the lottery does not guarantee a place on this trip. Thank you for your understanding and please email us with any questions!