The Desolation Trail is one of the more remote entries on the Terrifying 25: a 1.9-mile, unmaintained route that packs 2,500 feet of elevation gain into a short, relentless climb up the less-traveled southwestern flank of Mt. Carrigain. Getting to the trailhead is part of the commitment, as the approach follows miles of wilderness trail through the heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, requiring a significant investment of time and mileage before the real difficulty begins.
The trail starts with a steady but manageable grade, then tightens aggressively as it ascends the shoulder of the ridge. The terrain becomes rocky and rough midway up, with frequent blowdowns across the path and no official maintenance to keep things clear. Route-finding is straightforward when dry but demands care in wet or snowy conditions, when exposed rock and patches of late-season ice can make the steepest sections treacherous. The summit observation tower on Carrigain rewards the effort with sweeping views across the Pemi Wilderness and surrounding peaks.
For a longer outing, the trail pairs naturally with the Carrigain Notch Trail and Signal Ridge Trail in a challenging loop. Avoid the trail in icy conditions without traction devices; the steepest pitches are unforgiving when glazed. Water crossings on the approach can run high during spring snowmelt. This is a trail for hikers comfortable with sustained steep climbing, technical footing, and a long day deep in the wilderness.
