Backcountry Climbing

These remote routes located in the heart of the High Peaks represent the classic Adirondack climbing experience: long days, spectacular views and enjoyable movement. While these represent the more popular options, there are many others, let us know what you have in mind!

Trap Dike

The Trap Dike on Mt. Colden needs little introduction. It is THE classic summer scrambling and mountaineering route in the High Peaks. With a long but moderate approach through the spectacular Avalanche Pass and a traversing descent past Lake Arnold an ascent of the Trap Dike and Mt. Colden makes for a long day.

Most parties will take 10-14 hours to complete this objective and should be prepared for a strenuous day of hiking combined with over 1500' of scrambling and climbing.

Please note: If you haven't climbed with us before and have little or no outdoor climbing experience, we strongly recommend scheduling a half day of climbing with GRMG beforehand. This will make the day more enjoyable and less stressful.

Roostercomb

This diminutive peak, nestled at the end of the Great Range and on the outskirts of Keene Valley, is a great location for getting a taste of climbing in the Adirondack backcountry with a lower commitment level. A one and a half to two hour approach, almost entirely on a well-maintained hiking trail, will bring you to the summit cliff.

Once there, the "Old Route" is the most popular option, with four pitches of varied climbing leading directly to the open summit with great views. If time and ability allows, "Cock-a-doodle-doo" offers a great pitch of harder crack climbing.

Gothic

Gothic mountain, located in the heart of the Great Range, is a spectacular peak. Each of it's three prominent faces offer rewarding climbing in a stunning location with the most common objective being the route "Gothic arch" on the South Face.

This is typically done in a 10-14 hour day, involving over 10 miles of hiking and some off-trail bushwhacking to reach the start of the climbing. Once on route, you're rewarded with close to 800' of technical friction and face climbing with steeper overlaps at times. The finish of the route brings you within minutes of the summit, making for a unique experience in the northeast.

Wallface

Wallface represents the largest expanse of backcountry rock in the northeast and is a complex cliff with multiple approach options. It is not uncommon for parties to hike all the way in and spend most of the day struggling to find the start of the route, much less climb!

Despite this, or maybe because of it, climbing on Wallface is a rewarding experience. The most popular route is by far "The Diagonal" but the "Case Route", "Arch Madness" and "Out with the Boys Again" are also all worthy of attention. No matter your choice, expect a long, 10-14 hour day, filled with nearly continuous movement.