Colden (4-11-10)

[Tmax]

Since there didn't seem to be much hiking this weekend, I thought I'd just do a quick trail condition report. The trail from the HPIC up to Marcy Dam is typical Spring conditions... mud in all the usual spots. Some sporadic ice from there up to the Avalanche Camps but not much at all. From the trail junction at the old leanto sight, there is much more snow. Snow, mud, snow mud... etc. At around 3100 feet there is complete snow cover and a pretty solid hardpack all the way to Lake Arnold. None of the water crossings were particularly high. The trail up Colden was a little different. It was a spine the whole way up and the spine got quite narrow at times but stayed pretty solid. I barebooted the whole way but microspikes would have been helpful.

Had no view from the summit but when I was about half-way back down the sun came out and the clouds cleared away. I wound up spending some time soaking up the view sitting in the sun at Marcy Dam. Can't wait for Spring to get over!

[adkdremn]

Since there didn't seem to be much hiking this weekend

What a great time of the year to visit the Adirondacks. I was at Roaring Brook Falls with my family and it was just a beautiful day. I was really surprised at how few cars I saw at trailheads while driving around this weekend. Tough conditions means fewer people I guess. We had absolutely perfect weather over by Giant and it really made me wish I was on top of a High Peak!

[Adirondack Ladies]

Geeeee...........Murph and I had gone into Avalanche Lake area and I guess that was you back at Marcy Dam. (It looked like you had a cell phone or something that you were using???) I wish we had introduced ourselves. It did end up being a beautiful day.

[looncry]

Since there didn't seem to be much hiking this weekend, I thought I'd just do a quick trail condition report. The trail from the HPIC up to Marcy Dam is typical Spring conditions... mud in all the usual spots. Some sporadic ice from there up to the Avalanche Camps but not much at all. From the trail junction at the old leanto sight, there is much more snow. Snow, mud, snow mud... etc. At around 3100 feet there is complete snow cover and a pretty solid hardpack all the way to Lake Arnold. None of the water crossings were particularly high. The trail up Colden was a little different. It was a spine the whole way up and the spine got quite narrow at times but stayed pretty solid. I barebooted the whole way but microspikes would have been helpful.

Had no view from the summit but when I was about half-way back down the sun came out and the clouds cleared away. I wound up spending some time soaking up the view sitting in the sun at Marcy Dam. Can't wait for Spring to get over!

Hi Tmax! barebooted is better than bare-footed! nice TR. :)Looncry

[vieWseeker]

Glad you Got out with less people bumping into you... Your almost done with your Grid..;)

[El Loco]

Nice report! Sounds like it was just an enjoyable day without the crowds. Enjoy the Spring; the crowds will soon start pouring in although that will have to be good for business. Regards!

[Tmax]

Geeeee...........Murph and I had gone into Avalanche Lake area and I guess that was you back at Marcy Dam. (It looked like you had a cell phone or something that you were using???) I wish we had introduced ourselves. It did end up being a beautiful day.
That was me! I was trying to send a photo to Topofgothics with my blackberry so he could share vicariously in the day! So sorry we didn't get to formally meet!

[Highonlife]

Spring is tough.....glad to hear the water crossings were good that way!

[Neil]

Sounds like Colden was a cinch, Nice going. Amazing how people are staying away from the Dacks in droves when the hiking conditions are pretty damn good.

[randomscooter]

Sounds like Colden was a cinch, Nice going. Amazing how people are staying away from the Dacks in droves when the hiking conditions are pretty damn good.

Yeah, I guess the key this year is to stay on heavily used (in winter) trails. But I'm not hearing any of the normal April reports of running across from Skylight to Redfield in bareboots, etc. I suppose there's always next year.