Location and surroundings
Camels Hump belongs to the Appalachian Mountains range system, specifically the Northern U.S. Appalachians, the Green Mountains, and the Central Green Mountains sub-range. Situated in North America, it is located within the municipality of Huntington in Chittenden County, Vermont, United States. At an elevation of 1,243 m, it ranks as the second highest of 218 named peaks in the Central Green Mountains and the fourth highest of 1,217 named peaks in Vermont. The landscape around the mountain features isolated peaks and valleys shaped by glacial action and the Winooski River.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Camels Hump includes several nearby peaks and passes of varying elevations and distances:
- Bald Hill (peak), 927 m, 1.7 km W
- Mount Ethan Allen (peak), 1,120 m, 2.9 km S
- Mount Ira Allen (peak), 1,051 m, 4.0 km S
- Burnt Rock Mountain (peak), 962 m, 5.8 km S
- Crossett Hill (peak), 694 m, 5.8 km E
- Robbins Mountain (peak), 624 m, 6.1 km NW
- Stimson Mountain (peak), 608 m, 8.0 km N
- Bone Mountain (peak), 889 m, 9.8 km N
The view from the summit
From the top of Camels Hump, hikers can look out toward several major peaks within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks within this range include:
- Lower Lip, 1,256 m, 25.0 km N
- Mount Ellen, 1,234 m, 18.0 km S
- Mount Abraham, 1,223 m, 22.5 km S
- Bolton Mountain, 1,123 m, 14.9 km N
- Stark Mountain, 1,116 m, 15.4 km S
- Mount Putnam, 1,110 m, 22.6 km NE
The range
Camels Hump is part of the Green Mountains, which form part of the Northern U.S. Appalachians within the broader Appalachian Mountains. The highest peak of the Central Green Mountains is Killington Peak at 1,293 m, located 80 km south of Camels Hump. The Central Green Mountains contain 218 named peaks, with Camels Hump holding the position of the second highest among them.
Climbing routes
Marked hiking routes over or next to the summit include the Burrows Trail from the west, the Alpine Trail, the Monroe Trail from the east, and the Long Trail traversing from the north or south. Hikers also utilise shelters such as the Bamforth Ridge Shelter and Montclair Glen Lodge along the way.
Access and starting points
The usual starting town for visitors heading to Camels Hump is Duxbury. Access to the established trails, including the Burrows Trail, Monroe Trail, and sections of the Long Trail, is provided via local roads leading to the trailheads surrounding Camel's Hump State Park in Vermont.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER climate data (2001–2020 monthly means, adjusted to the summit elevation) indicate that the warmest month at the summit is July at about 15 °C, and the coldest month is January at about -12 °C. Months with a mean above freezing at the summit include April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Precipitation in the surrounding area is about 1,050 mm a year, with June being the wettest month at about 130 mm and January the driest at about 55 mm. Typical weather hazards in this region include sudden storms, strong winds on exposed ridges, and rapid temperature changes.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Camels Hump generally aligns with the months that have a mean temperature above freezing at the summit: April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. During these months, trails are generally more accessible, and the alpine vegetation is visible, though hikers should remain prepared for variable mountain weather.
Nature and wildlife
The summit of Camels Hump features 10 acres of alpine tundra vegetation, preserving fragile plant species that were once widespread during glacial periods. Protected areas at and near the summit are managed within Camel's Hump State Park. The forests and slopes support significant populations of red spruce and other regional flora and fauna typical of the Green Mountains.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance, the national mountain guide association in the United States is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, alongside the national alpine club, the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies in the United States include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. While some peaks in the United States require climbing registration or permits from land agencies like Denali or Mount Rainier, visitors should check specific local land agency rules before heading out.
Safety and preparation
The elevation and exposed ridge terrain of Camels Hump demand proper footwear, waterproof clothing, and preparedness for sudden weather shifts. In case of emergencies, the general emergency number for mountain rescue in the area is 911, which connects to dispatchers who alert the local search and rescue team run by the county sheriff.
History and name
The mountain has a rich history reflected in its many names. The Abenaki first noted its shape, calling it Moziozagan or Tawabodiiwajo, meaning moose's shoulder or saddle-mountain. In 1609, Samuel de Champlain named it Le Lion Couchant. Ira Allen referred to it as Camel's Rump on a 1798 map, and the name Camel's Hump came into use by 1830. In 1905, Joseph Battell donated virgin forest land including the summit to Vermont to be kept in a primitive state, leading to the creation of Camel's Hump State Park. In October 1944, a B-24J bomber crashed near the summit during a training mission, and portions of the wreckage remain today.
Interesting facts
Camels Hump is the second highest peak among 218 named peaks in the Central Green Mountains and the fourth highest of 1,217 named peaks in Vermont. The mountain features a distinctive conical silhouette shaped as a roche moutonnée by glacial action, with bedrock consisting of phyllite, quartzite, and schist. In 1968, the National Park Service designated the mountain a National Natural Landmark.
FAQ
How high is Camels Hump? Camels Hump stands at an elevation of 1,243 m.
Where is Camels Hump located? It is located in the municipality of Huntington in Chittenden County, Vermont, United States, within the Green Mountains.
Are there huts on Camels Hump? Yes, hikers can find the Bamforth Ridge Shelter and Montclair Glen Lodge near the mountain.
How long does it take to walk up Camels Hump? An ascent via the Burrows Trail typically takes 2 to 3 hours.
Is there water on the way to Camels Hump? Natural water sources along trails should be treated or filtered before drinking, and hikers should carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water depending on weather conditions and route length.
What is mobile phone coverage like on Camels Hump? Mobile phone coverage is generally good on the summit and upper exposed ridges, but can be intermittent or absent lower down on forested trails; 911 reaches emergency services over any available network and maps should be downloaded beforehand.
What range does Camels Hump belong to? It belongs to the Appalachian Mountains, Northern U.S. Appalachians, Green Mountains, and Central Green Mountains.