The Traveler via Center Ridge and Traveler Trails

This route begins and ends at South Branch Pond Campground, at the east end of the campground near campsite 19. From the trailhead and campsite area, follow the Pogy Notch Trail along the east shore of the ponds, crossing Howe Brook at 1.0 mile, and climb over cliffs to reach the Center Ridge Trail junction at 1.3 miles; bear left onto Center Ridge Trail. The trail climbs a series of ledges and a rough, rocky ridge, breaking above treeline within the first mile, to summit Peak of the Ridges (3,225') at 3.3 miles. Continue onto the Traveler Trail, descending about 400 vertical feet into an open alpine meadow, then climb through loose talus and broken volcanic rhyolite scree to The Traveler's summit (3,540') at 4.5 miles. From the summit, retrace the same trails back to the campground for a round trip of about 10 miles. The terrain is identical to the loop's first half: exposed, above-treeline ridge over loose, sharp rhyolite rock, treacherous when wet. Carry at least two quarts of water per person, since none is reliably available past Upper South Branch Pond.