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Elevation: 4,714 ft
GPS: 44.12813, -73.95962
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 63,755 total · 319/month
Shared By: Rafiki on Nov 20, 2007 · Updates
Admins: Morgan Patterson, Kevin MudRat MacKenzie, Jim Lawyer

Description Suggest change

Mt. Colden is the 11th highest mountain in New York State. This is a unique high peak for the Adirondacks considering the number and size of exposed slides on its west face. While these slides can be skied or scrambled, an easy trail to the summit also exists. The mountain doesn't see as much traffic as higher peaks like Algonquin or Marcy which is surprising. The summit of Mt. Colden offers excellent views of Lake Colden/Avalache Lake, Flowed Lands and puts you between the state's highest 2 mountains.

The west face of the mountain dramatically drops off into vertical faces surrounding the dramatic Avalanche Lake. It is on these faces where great rock and ice climbs can be found as well as the best route to the summit, The Trap Dike.

Getting There Suggest change

Get yourself a High Peaks map. adirondackjourney.com/image…
There are several different ways to approach the mountain.

A short hike from Mt. Colden is Lake Colden, the most popular camping area in the High Peaks. While a beautiful area to camp at, it's crowded and the black bears are worse than subway beggars. I once had a bear walk up to to me and snatch my entire food bag. For these reasons, bear canisters are now mandatory for the High Peaks.

3 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Mt Colden

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b
 119
Trap Dike (summer)
Trad
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a PG13
 20
California Flake
Trad 8 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Trap Dike (summer)
 119
4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b Trad
California Flake
 20
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a PG13 Trad 8 pitches
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