Camels Hump Via the Monroe Trail

At 4,081 feet, Camels Hump is the third highest peak in Vermont and one of the most recognizable due to its shape and proximity to both Burlington and Montpelier. There are several ways to climb Camels Hump, but one of the most popular is via the Monroe Trail on the mountain's eastern flank. This 6.8-mile round-trip hike gains 2,583 feet of elevation and is quite steep in places. Most of the hike meanders through a birch and maple forest.

There are a few different parking areas, a good indicator of how popular the hike is. No matter what, hikers will begin by signing in at the trail register a short distance down the trail. Following the blue blazes, hikers will climb gradually for the next mile. In another third of a mile, the trail reaches a junction with the Dean Trail. Continue along the right fork where the trail steepens considerably. In 1.2 miles the Alpine Trail crosses the Monroe Trail.

After the Alpine Trail junction, it is just over a half mile to the clearing just below the summit where hikers will begin following the Long Trail south. From the clearing, the trail becomes steep and mostly bedrock. You will break above tree line shortly after starting up the Long Trail, and there are expansive views to the west of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks in New York. Be sure to walk only on the rocks, as the vegetation here is very fragile.

At the summit, great views of the White Mountains in New Hampshire can be seen to the east as well as views up and down the Green Mountain Spine to the north and south. There is also an approximately 200-foot cliff at the south end of the summit where you may see climbers.