Mount Colden

Mount Colden sits between two giant peaks Mount Marcy and Algonquin peak. Mount Colden, at 4714 feet, is the eleventh highest peak in NY. Winter or summer Colden is one of ny favorite hikes in the high peaks. Outside of Gothics I think Mount Colden has the best views of surrounding areas. The best way to hike colden is to do a 14.8 miles loop hike along the way you can see some of the best scenery the Adirondacks have to offer. I love going through avalanche pass and up the Trap Dike and coming down through Lake Arnold. If your going up the trap dike please be careful and take your time. Rock shoes are nice on the slab, especially if wet but certainly not essential. Gear + rope would be overkill. Might want to avoid the route after heavy rainfall or in the spring if approaching from the northeast, think twice and don't rush. The route is easy to locate, it's the huge dike in the side of the mountain, east side of Avalanche Lake. Alwayd can camp at Marcy dam or at lake Colden, beautiful spots to campout.