West Bond via Zeacliff Hike – Trail Guide & Trip Report (White Mountains, NH)
“From mossy forest trails to sweeping alpine ridges, this route offers some of the Whites’ finest views. With a stop at Zeacliff and a final push to West Bond’s intimate summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramas of the entire Pemigewasset Wilderness.”
Trail Diary
5:50 AM — Zealand Trailhead
I pulled into the Zealand trailhead just before six and was lucky to snag one of the last parking spots. Summer in the Whites is always busy — even this early, the lot can fill. If you’re planning this hike in peak season, go even earlier. I made breakfast, relaxed in the van with much-needed coffee, and got my gear together.
7:00 AM — On the trail
Right on the dot, I hit the Zealand Trail. This is one of my favorite approaches in the Whites. It begins with a gentle, well-maintained path through deep woods, with mossy old-growth forest and bridges crossing lively streams.
7:30 AM — Bog and wildflowers
The forest slowly gave way to a boggy stretch dotted with ponds and summer wildflowers, with views beginning to open toward the surrounding peaks.
7:57 AM — Junction with A-Z Trail
Here the path splits toward Zealand Falls Hut or Crawford Notch via Mount Tom and the Willey Range. I pressed on toward the hut.
8:10 AM — Zealand Falls Hut
This has to be one of my favorite AMC huts: small, cozy, and tucked right next to its namesake waterfall. I refilled water, watched the falls for a few minutes, and by 8:18 was heading back out.
8:58 AM — Zeacliff (detour)
Soon after leaving the hut, the Twinway climbs steadily past cascading streams. A short detour brought me to Zeacliff — one of the most spectacular overlooks in the White Mountains. Worth every step.
9:15–9:23 AM — Rugged climb & alpine meadow
Back on the Twinway, the trail turned rougher, lined with boulders and uneven steps. At 9:23 I reached an open alpine meadow with sweeping views over the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Delicate alpine flowers dotted the rocky slopes leading toward Mount Guyot.
10:37 AM — Mount Guyot
Not an official 4,000-footer, but a worthy summit. From here, West Bond came into view across the ridge — looking distant but closer than it appeared.
10:54 AM — Guyot Campsite junction
Past the cutoff, the Bondcliff Trail continued toward Mount Bond.
11:10 AM — West Bond Summit
The short spur to West Bond was rocky but quick. The small summit had room for a few groups, and the views were outstanding: Bondcliff and Mount Bond rising to the south, Hellgate Ravine spilling away to the southeast, Owl’s Head to the west, and Redrock Ravine to the north.
2:01 PM — Back at Zealand Falls Hut
A good spot for one last water refill before the descent.
2:50 PM — Trailhead
Back at the car after a long but rewarding day.
Hike Summary
Name: West Bond via Zeacliff
Location: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Route: Zealand Trail → Twinway → Zeacliff → Mount Guyot → West Bond Spur
Distance: 19.27 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 4,080 feet
Total Time: 7:50
Class: 1–2 (well-defined trail with rugged rocky sections, non-exposed)
Trailhead Access: Zealand Trailhead, paved road, large but often full in summer
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✅ Views – Zeacliff overlook and expansive alpine panoramas from Guyot & West Bond
🧱 Unique Geology – Rugged alpine ridges, glacial-carved ravines, and rocky outcrops
🥾 Varied Trail – Gentle woodland start, bog bridges, then rugged alpine boulders
🌸 Wildflowers – Abundant alpine blooms and mossy forest growth in July–August
🏞️ Hut Stop – Cozy Zealand Falls Hut with waterfall views and water refill
❄️ Weather Exposure – Above treeline stretches prone to wind and fast-moving storms
🚗 Trailhead Access – Well-maintained gravel road but lot fills early in peak season
🧑🤝🧑 Moderate Crowds – Zealand Hut and Zeacliff attract hikers, but West Bond summit often feels quiet and intimate
Gallery
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