Sunset Hike on Sleeping Beauty Mountain w/BONUS Full Moon! C2B

HEADLAMPS REQUIRED FOR THIS HIKE-NOT A BEGINNER HIKE: We will meet at the Exit 18 Park & Ride (I-87/The Adirondack Northway) at 5:00PM and drive to the trailhead at Dacy Clearing. Location Notes: The location is on Media Drive in Queensbury, NY. I could not find an address for use in smartphone navigation, but the location is behind the West Glens Falls Emergency Squad building (86 Luzerne Road, Queensbury, NY- MeetUp wouldn't let me add the address) on the corner of Media and Luzerne Road. It is NOT at the place we used to use near the Sunoco Station. So, if you have attended this hike in the past, it will be a different location. Use the West Glens Falls Emergency Squad address for navigation by Smartphone, if you depend on that feature. If coming from the Northway/I87, you will see the park and ride before you get to the rescue squad.

Please, read entire description.
From Dacy Clearing it is a 1.8 mile hike to the false summit (The true summit is roughly a half mile distant with the views obscured by trees). It is the false summit that offers the amazing views that Sleeping Beauty is well known for. Round trip should be 3.6 miles. I'm hoping to give us enough time so that our pace is relaxed, yet we won't need to wait around for sunset too long. Timing will be everything!
Sunset for August 9th, 2025 is calculated for 08:06PM. If the night is clear, we will also get to enjoy the full moon. This August full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon.

The trail heading to the false summit is a very steady climb with switch backs. We won’t be hiking the longer loop to Bump’s Pond. Rather, this will be a very direct hike to take advantage of Sleeping Beauty’s view at sundown. Feel free to bring food or a beverage to share with other hikers at the top. Depending on the weather/temperature, we might hang around at the top for a while, if the entire group wants to. The hike back to the trailhead will be in the dark and we will use our head lamps (REQUIRED)
As with many hikes these days, trailheads in the Adirondacks can fill up extremely fast. I’m hoping to circumvent that issue with an evening hike. Even so, carpooling is helpful and hikers need to be aware that we may need to park further from from the trailhead at the Hogtown parking area (1.6 miles away) if it is too crowded.

Expected round trip: 3.6 miles
Round trip from Hogtown trailhead in the event
that Dacy Clearing parking lot is full or closed: 6.8 miles

Things to remember:
-Do not sign up for this hike if you have any reservations about hiking at night, by headlamp.
-There should be no lone wolf hikers on this hike. If you like to race ahead or lag behind, this isn't the hike for you. We will being staying together at a decent pace for everyone's safety.
-Hydration: You should begin hydrating 2-3 days before any strenuous activity. If you are waiting until the day of the activity to drink enough water, you’re too late. You should also bring plenty of water, even if you think you don't need it.
-This is not a beginner hike. While it is relatively short, the climb is steady. You should be doing regular aerobic exercise if you plan to take part.
-Wear appropriate footwear. Flip-flops are, of course, discouraged, for obvious reasons.
-We will be hiking at night on the return trip. Headlamps are required. I cannot Italicize and Bold print this enough. Invariably, at least one hiker will show without. Flashlights are good, headlamps are better. And you really should have a spare: Two is one and one is none. This reason for the gratuitous use of Italics and Bold is that over the years, someone always forgets to read the description and does not bring a source of light. Weird, right?
-If we were to garner enough interest with this outing and a waitlist grows I may open the hike up to more people and we will separate into two groups, especially if another experienced Event Host/Organizer also signs up. If you find yourself on the dreaded Waitlist and really want to attend, please, keep up to date with the hike. People always drop out, sometimes the day of. Waitlisted does not necessarily mean you're not able to join us.
-Bring an extra layer for the summit in case it gets windy and cool. Bring a waterproof layer in case we get unexpected rain once we're there.
-If I see a hiker who I am familiar with from prior outings, and I believe they will be unprepared for this hike due to their lack of ability, I will remove them from the list. Be honest with yourself and your abilities.
-Inclement weather the day and/or evening of will cancel this hike. Hiking in the dark by headlamp can be a lot of fun. Hiking in the dark, by headlamp, in the rain on rocky switchbacks can result in unplanned, embarrassing phone calls to the DEC. Nobody wants that!

If there are any questions, please, feel free to message me here on MeetUp.

Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity. By attending, you agree you are responsible for yourself and are hiking at your own risk. All participants should be aware of Meetup Policies / Meetup Terms of Service.