A November 2nd hike to Gothics and Pyramid Peak from Lake Road featured cool, sunny conditions with dirt at lower elevations transitioning to several inches of snow at higher elevations. The group encountered icy patches requiring microspikes and navigated four ladder descents on steep, rugged terrain before summiting both peaks with brief views before mist rolled in.
The Catskill 9 is a challenging 19-21 mile loop hike in the Catskills that combines marked trails, herd paths, and extensive bushwhacking through dense forest. The route tags nine high peaks and requires experienced off-trail navigation skills, particularly between Lone and Balsam Cap; it includes steep ascents, rock scrambles, ledges, ladders, and boardwalks.
Crane Mountain Loop is a short but intense hike featuring rocky scrambles, two cliff ladders, and a scenic summit ridge. The trail is challenging due to steep rocky sections and ladder navigation, best enjoyed May through October.
The Sam's Point / Ice Caves / Verkeerderkill Falls hike in the Shawangunks features tight icy rock caverns, wooden ladders, boardwalks, and exposure to the elements. Ice persists in the caves well into warmer months; the trail includes narrow crevices, water, and is exposed to sun on hot days.
The Steep Ravine/Dipsea/Matt Davis loop is a scenic day hike near Mount Tamalpais in California that traverses redwood forests, streams with wooden ladders and bridges, coastal ridges, and switchback climbs through varied ecosystems. The route takes 3–4 hours with approximately 1,550 feet of elevation gain.
A two-day backpacking trip to Mount Colden following a severe thunderstorm and flash flooding. The trail from Avalanche Lake was extremely wet with knee-deep water, mud, and cascading water over rock slabs; a ranger warned of recent rescues from slippery conditions and a serious incident on the trap dike.
A weekend backpacking trip to Lower Wolfjaw, Upper Wolfjaw, and Armstrong via Johns Brook Lodge, with snow patches and scrambling sections at higher elevations and typical muddy, rooty Adirondack trail conditions lower down. The party encountered mixed weather including rain overnight and afternoon clouds, with good summit views from Armstrong.
Guide to three main hiking routes accessing Indian Head Vista and Fish Hawk Cliffs on Adirondack Mountain Reserve property, with descriptions of terrain including waterfalls, ladders on steep sections, and rocky ridge descent to overlooks.
A rock-slide in summer 2019 made the original Twin Mountain ledge section impassable and dangerous. After initial controversy over an iron rung solution, the DEC completed a reroute in November 2019 featuring stone steps and scrambling terrain.
A relentlessly steep but short out-and-back hike with three viewpoints. The trail features boardwalks, stone steps, and a ladder section with open rock terrain in the final half-mile; wet conditions could make rock slab sections tricky.
Giant Mountain is a steep, challenging 8-mile loop with 3,600 feet of elevation gain, featuring rock slab sections and boulder scrambles that are treacherous when wet. The trail is relentlessly steep with stunning views above 3,000 feet and includes a stream crossing and wooden ladder. Best attempted on dry conditions; not recommended after rain due to extensive exposed rock sections.
A Labor Day weekend trip to Colvin and Blake peaks via the Gill Brook Trail and Lake Road. The hike featured moderate terrain with some rocky scrambles and ladders on both peaks, with good views from Colvin but a viewless summit on Blake. A second ascent of Colvin on the return proved physically demanding.