Guyot Spring

## Overview Guyot Spring is a backcountry water source located at the Guyot Campsite in the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,300 feet on the shoulder of Mount Guyot — a 4,580-foot peak in the Twin Range of the White Mountains — this spring serves as the primary water source for hikers and backpackers staying at the Guyot Shelter and surrounding tent platforms. Mount Guyot is named after Arnold Henry Guyot, the Swiss-American geographer and geologist who conducted extensive surveys of the Appalachian Mountains in the mid-19th century. The spring has long been relied upon by thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail and those traversing the Bonds–Twins traverse, one of the most scenic and demanding ridge walks in the White Mountains. As the only water source at the campsite, it plays a vital role for overnight visitors in this remote alpine area. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by backcountry campers, though as with all backcountry water sources, treatment is advisable. ## Directions 1. From Twin Mountain, NH (Route 3), head south on Route 302 toward Crawford Notch. 2. Turn onto Zealand Road, which leads to the Zealand Trail trailhead at the end of the road (approximately 3.5 miles). 3. Follow the **Zealand Trail** for 2.5 miles to its junction with the **Twinway Trail** near Zealand Falls Hut. 4. Continue on the **Twinway Trail** heading south/southwest, climbing steadily along the ridge toward Mount Guyot. 5. The Guyot Campsite is located along the Twinway Trail, roughly 6.8 miles from the Zealand Road trailhead. The spring is at the campsite near the Guyot Shelter. **Note:** This is a strenuous backcountry hike with significant elevation gain. The campsite is managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), and a caretaker fee is typically charged during the summer season. An alternative approach is via the Bondcliff Trail from the Lincoln Woods trailhead off the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), though this route is longer. ## What to Expect Guyot Spring is a true backcountry water source, accessible only by foot after a multi-mile hike through the White Mountain wilderness. The spring feeds the Guyot Shelter area and is the sole water source available at the campsite. Water flow can vary seasonally — it tends to run more reliably during spring snowmelt and after periods of rain, but may slow to a trickle during dry late-summer conditions. The campsite sits in a subalpine environment surrounded by dense spruce-fir forest, with nearby access to exposed ridgeline views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, the Bonds, and the Twin Range. The Guyot Shelter offers a three-sided lean-to, and there are several tent platforms available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather, especially above treeline on the approach ridges. The spring is generally accessible from late spring through fall, though winter access is possible for experienced backcountry travelers equipped for snow travel. The area is part of the White Mountain National Forest, and a USFS parking pass is required at the trailhead.