Sawteeth from Upper Ausable Lake??

[AdkCuse]

Anybody climbed Sawteeth via this route lately/ever? From the various guide books it doesn't sound too bad.

Tossing around some ideas for a three day / two night trip later this month, working around 46R lists from a couple other guys that are coming along.

One possible trip has us meeting at Ausable Club mid afternoon on the first day, hiking the road and up the Gill Brook Trail to state land after which we'll set up camp at one of the designated sites (any comments on camping in this area?).

Next day we'll get a real early start to go up Colvin, over to Blake, and then straight down to Upper Ausable Lake. From here we'll pick up the trail up to Sawteeth, come down the scenic trail, and head back to camp.

Nippletop and Dial are left for the way out on the last day. Not looking forward to carrying a big pack up thru Elk Pass to Nippletop can't really think of any other way to do it - at least it will give incentive to pack light.

Anyway, just tossing around some ideas like I said - the trip might be a little too much for a couple of the folks coming along so we'll see.

Thanks for any input.

Mike

[pete_hickey]

It's a nice trail. You might want to consider camping along this trail. There is a beautiful spot on State land. It's kind oof obvious, as it is the only flat spot on the trail, and there is a (small) brook crossing.

[mike1889]

I descended Sawteeth via this trail last month and agree that it is very nice. It is soft on the feet, not too steep, and has no erosion. Near the bottom it crosses Shanty Brook which reminded me of Herbert Brook on Marshall a little, with nice wide slabs for relaxing. You will almost certainly see no one else on this trail as it is very little used.

[masshysteria]

Mike, there are a couple of good spots to camp on the GB trail just after it crosses into State property. I stayed for a week at one that is on the left side, across the brook. It's large and fairly flat, plus I was the only one there for the entire week. There are a couple more just past that on the GB trail. It makes a great basecamp because it is centrally located to knock off quite a few peaks.

[mike1889]

Here are some pictures from my 5/30 hike to Sawteeth, Blake, and Colvin when I descended the trail to Upper Ausable Lake:

http://community.webshots.com/album/388176722AnvqBc?772

[AdkCuse]

Pete, Tom, Mike - Thank you very much for the info, especially those pics which were great. I'm definitely going to go for it at the end of the month.

Mike

[Silverback]

That area on the Gill Brook Trail is a great place to camp. Only caution is to watch it if you have an extended period of heavy rain. Got caught between brooks after an all-day/all night rain a few years back in July. What was once dry suddenly became a raging torrent.

Had a heck of a time getting my bearbag down. Had strung it across a dry creek bed the day before. It was just after that when I decided the canister was the way to go.

I'm planning on hiking Dial and Nippletop (possibly Colvin and Blake as well) and returning via Gill Brook next week. If I go, I'll give you a scouting report.

[AdkCuse]

That would be great Silverback. I look forward to it. Thanks. I haven't been in that area in a few years but am itching to get back.

[Charlie]

I'm looking to do this peak as a day trip in a week or two. I'll be coming in from the St Huberts Trailhead parking spot. Any suggestions on best route? I was thinking of walking down the Lake Road as far as possible to make some time early. Any issues with the bridge(s)? I'd like to go up and over Sawteeth and loop back and cross furthur down on the return trip.

[Neil]

You will want to keep tabs on the snow conditions. I doubt anyone has used the scenic route all winter. The easiest way would be to use the road and the Weld Trail for both ingress and egress.

[Joe H.]

I'll echo Silverback's thoughts about heavy rain, and add add to it snowmelt later this month. Shanty Brook, last time I was there in the spring was raging as well. Otherwise, though, you've picked a beautiful area to do some camping and hiking. Have a great time!

[pete_hickey]

The last time I did Sawteeth from the Upper Lake, (note Neil: This is NOT the scenic route) I hd one heck of a time crossing a brook. I was coming from Haystack, and the crossing was soon after I got on the Sawteeth trail.

OH yeah... If you're coming along the trail from the lower to the upper lake, look for "my" pack rest.