High Peaks Wilderness Loop (4 nights, advanced)
Details
This is a 5 day 4 night backpacking trip in the High Peaks Wilderness in the Adirondacks (upstate New York). This is a tour of the highlights of this incredible wild area, so expect spectacular views from a number of mountain peaks. The route is a 33.5 mile loop with climbs of up to 3,000 feet, and a total elevation gain of approximately 12,000 feet. This is a very challenging hike, for experienced backpackers in good physical condition only.
The bears know that you have food and will be looking for it. A rated bear canister is required by park regulation. Bear hangs, ursacks, "It'll be fine," and other methods of bear deterrence are NOT acceptable under ANY circumstances, and may result in a $250 fine. Bear Vault brand canisters (transparent blue plastic) are NOT acceptable, the bears have figured out how to open them. Nearly any other bear cannister is acceptable, and there are places you can rent one. For more information, look here.
The first and last days will be our driving days. After arrival on day 1, we will hike 5.6 miles over easy terrain to a campsite at the base of the Pinnacle Ridge Trail. Days 2, 3, and 4 will encompass our hike proper. We will traverse 6.3 miles over Pinnacle Ridge, Blake Peak, and Mount Colvin on day 2, camping at Gill Brook. Day 3 will be our most difficult, 8.7 miles over Indian Head, Sawteeth, Pyramid Peak, the Gothics, Saddleback Mountain, and Basin Mountain to camp at Slant Rock. Day 4 will take us over Little Haystack and Mount Haystack for the best views of the trip, returning us to camp at the base of Pinnacle Ridge after 7.2 miles. Day 5 will be day 1 in reverse: hiking back to the cars and driving home.
The parking lot is a 6.5 hour drive from Philadelphia. We will plan to depart at 7am on Friday. The parking lot is small and fills up fast, so space will be VERY limited. Carpooling will be essential. I will create a group chat in the weeks leading up to the trip to coordinate.
Due to finite campsite space, spots on this hike are limited. Please only RSVP if you are reasonably sure you can go, and cancel your RSVP if you cannot.