Camel’s Hump via Monroe Trail
A sustained forest climb reaches Vermont’s most recognizable undeveloped summit
Artwork inspired by Vermont marble-carving tradition
A sustained forest climb reaches Vermont’s most recognizable undeveloped summit The Monroe Trail rises through northern hardwoods and conifers toward open rock, alpine vegetation, wreckage history, and a 360-degree summit. The route’s apparent directness hides weather exposure and rugged upper tread; the mountain’s protected silhouette depends on keeping structures and trampling away.
Start early, use the Dean Trail loop only with extra time, and keep a strict turnaround point for cloud, wind, or fading daylight. Trailhead roads, winter ice, mud season, crowded parking, and exposed summit conditions all change the trip. Stay on rock above treeline.
- Elevation
- 4,083 feet
- Route
- Monroe Trail
- Character
- Undeveloped summit
Quick guide
- Start with time
- The steady ascent accumulates more effort than expected.
- Watch the forest change
- Rising elevation quickly compresses several distinct ecological zones.
Know before you go
- Start with time
- The steady ascent accumulates more effort than expected.
- Watch the forest change
- Rising elevation quickly compresses several distinct ecological zones.
- Stay on summit rock
- Alpine vegetation is easily killed.
- Turn before cloud
- The open summit loses landmarks quickly.
Good to know
Trailhead roads, winter ice, mud season, crowded parking, and exposed summit conditions all change the trip. Stay on rock above treeline.
Notice these
- Monroe Trail forest
- open rock summit
- Camel’s Hump profile