MT Colden

I love this part of the Adirondacks! The High Peaks offers a great challenge and the most epic views! I like putting myself to the test here.

This trip is certainly a difficult one. It'll take some stamina and determination.

To start with, it's not to bad. We start the hike on day one at the Upper Works trailhead. It's 6 miles to Lake Colden over moderate terrain. There's a decent amount of incline and there will be lots of big rocks and mud. But, once at the lake, we'll be able to drop our gear, setup camp, and get some well earned rest.

When I've done this in the past, the hike in took 3 to 4 hours to complete.

The next day, we'll hike up Mt Colden (or another nearby mountain, though Colden is the easiest in the area and happens to be my favorite)

The trail to the top isn't long, only 2 or so miles, but it's pretty steep. There are sections where you'll need to use hands and knees to navigate through rocks.

In some areas the Ranges have been kind enough to install stairs.

Once we make it to the top, you'll have some really epic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. We can chill at the top for as long as we want, then head back down.

There are a few other options around the area for people to explore. Anyone who doesn't want to clime the mountain, I would highly advise taking the Avalanche Pass trail and checking out Avalanche Lake and the keep going to Marcy Dam. It would be about 6 miles give or take and similar elevation and terrain as the hike in.

Once we're finished with Mt Colden, we can decide to extend our stay and hike the other peaks nearby or we can pack up and hike out.

I'd expect this trip to be two days and one night, and up to three days and two nights if we check out any of the other peaks.