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Get ready for a super steep trail leading to the summit of Mt. Colden, number 11 of the High Peaks 46'ers.


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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.3

KM

44%

Runnable

4,712' 1,436 m

High

2,841' 866 m

Low

1,871' 570 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

25%

Avg Grade (14°)

53%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Need to Know

Very steep, to the point of ladders and wooden stairs up some rock faces. Wet rocks (presumably) all year. Potentially dangerous descending.

Runner Notes

This is impossible to trail run.

Description

This is one of the most difficult trails you can do in the High Peaks. The trail leaves the east shore of Lake Colden and starts immediately uphill. The steep climb is steady with plenty of rocks and roots to overcome. At 0.6 miles, the trail takes a sharp left turn. This turn is easily missed, so if you find that the trail disappears, stop and turn back! After this 0.6 miles, the trail gets even steeper until you crest a false summit. Continue along the ridge with great views of Lake Colden, Algonquin, Iroquois, and Wright Peak to the west. There are some great views from the summit. Unless you camped at Lake Colden, it is best to descend Mount Colden on the L. Morgan Porter Trail.

On your way off the summit, keep your eyes peeled to the west for climbers making an ascent of the world-famous Trap Dike.

Flora & Fauna

The lower part of the trail traverses moisture-rich forests before leaving them behind to scale the rocky slabs of Colden.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Maurizi with improvements by Cameron Flynn

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 6 votes

#862

Overall
  4.8 from 6 votes
5 Star
83%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#17

in New York

#862

Overall
8 Views Last Month
4,361 Since Aug 18, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
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67%
33%

Photos

Near Mount Colden Summit.
Aug 18, 2017 near Lake Pl…, NY
False summit, view of Lake Colden
Aug 18, 2017 near Lake Pl…, NY
Lake Colden just north of the junction with Mt Colden Trail. Looking at base of Marshall, Iroquois, Algonquin, Avalanche
Sep 2, 2019 near Lake Pl…, NY
Collapsed trail along Lake Colden.
Jun 16, 2020 near Lake Pl…, NY
View look west during ascent.
Aug 18, 2017 near Lake Pl…, NY
Start of trail up Mt. Colden.
Aug 18, 2017 near Lake Pl…, NY

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