MOUNT COLDEN AND AVALANCHE LAKE // Adirondack High Peaks 46er

Mount Colden is one of the more popular mountains in the High Peaks, and with good reason: the hike is challenging and beautiful. I have been on all 46 High Peaks and Mount Colden has some of the most spectacular views of the MacIntyre Range, Lake Colden, Avalanche Lake, and Mount Marcy.
Mount Colden is the 11th highest mountain in the Adirondacks. We started and ended our hike at the High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) at Heart Lake, adjacent to the Adirondack Loj. We made a loop, approaching the summit Mt. Colden from Lake Arnold. We then descended down to Lake Colden and returned via Avalanche Lake and Avalanche Pass. Avalanche Lake is famous for its ladders, bridges, and "Hitch-up Matildas".
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[@gblakev]

This brings back memories of doing this hike as a teenager, twice (in the late 60's). Once, after a storm, the hitch-up-matildas were tipped over on their side and we had to straddle the long supporting logs (old design) to get across - with backpacks (5-day hike). Great fun when you're young.

[@OutsideChronicles]

It's all about the story! Thanks for sharing. I make these videos so I can look back and remember my adventures. I am guessing many things in the Adirondacks are quite a bit different than the 60's. Hopefully mostly for the good.

[@karenpratt5550]

Awesome video, Mike! It makes me really miss The Adirondacks. We really enjoyed Avalanche Lake and the Hitch-up Matildas! Last time we were there we did them.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks! The Hitch-up Matildas are such a cool, iconic feature in an already epic place.

[@allenporter6122]

Another nice video, keep up the great quality!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@trockstar303]

Great video, thank you

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, Colden is a great mountain, some of the best views in the Adirondacks. See you outside!

[@reichertgilles4363]

Hi, thanks for this video, after watching, we decided to try your walk and stay one day more at Lake Placid, have a Good Day, Gilles

[@OutsideChronicles]

Cool, one of my favorite High Peaks and hikes. I try to swing through Avalanche Lake every opportunity. Enjoy!

[@mevlidasofic9131]

Nice video. Thank you

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@JoeWilderness]

Really great video man.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks! I love the way this one turned out, can’t wait to finish Frank’s 46er video at Mt Marcy

[@BrianHikesAllDay]

The last couple videos I watched are really beautiful. You did a great job with the filming and editing. I’m starting to think about trying to limit videoing while walking because it always pixelates the quality. But keeping the camera still makes everything look so HD! Great job and grwat video and awesome puncture wound!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, I did a piece with Spectrum News and they used a method that always had a stationary camera with the movement coming from the subjects, all 10 second or less clips. I think I will still do some slow pans and pushes, but bump to 60fps and then slow it down. I usually render in 24fps.

[@BrianHikesAllDay]

Looking forward to seeing the improvements

[@brettbaker9350]

Great Channel we just finished up all the catskills few weeks ago before my son started football. Adirondack is next

[@OutsideChronicles]

Congratulations on 35ers! Although the Catskills are pretty, the Adirondacks are more grand and have more character. I love the exposed peaks and slides. Good luck on your quest for 46ers. I hope to finish my winter 46er this season.

[@brettbaker9350]

@@OutsideChronicles yeah just did Whiteface yesterday and I'm glad we did bring the kids

[@neoncellgap2510]

Awesome video! How was the parking (and what day of the week did you do this)? We are going to do the MacIntyre range on a Tuesday in a few weeks and I've been hearing that the lots are filling up really early these days.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks! The HPIC lot was full at 7a on Sunday. The attendant said at peak on Saturdays it has filled by 5:30a. We did Marcy from HPIC on the Monday and there was plenty of parking at 7a. So I would say get there before 7a on a Tuesday and you should be ok. Check out my MacIntyre Range video. If you have the legs, I would suggest looping through Avalanche Lake. The trail down Algonquin is steep, but rewarding to see the lake.

[@neoncellgap2510]

@@OutsideChronicles Thanks, that's our planned route. I've never seen the lake in person so I'm really looking forward to it.

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@neoncellgap2510 You will love it. Pictures really do not show the scale. Good luck, stay safe!

[@survivalofthefitness767]

Great video. What’d you shoot the video with?

[@OutsideChronicles]

Survival of the Fitness thanks, I am using the GoPro Hero 8. I love it. It is a huge upgrade from my Hero 6.

[@BrianHikesAllDay]

That is also what I have been vlogging with. The image stabilization is incredible! And I think the sound quality on this one far exceeds any of the earlier models

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@BrianHikesAllDay Totally agree, the picture and audio are a huge improvement. I would also suggest this add-on: amzn.to/3aGttc8 It does an amazing job cutting down wind noise.

[@allezshazam]

My husband and I are going to be in that area soon and we would love to see avalanche lake. If we just go straight to avalanche lake (stay to the right of the trail rather than go right toward mount colden) how long would it be to go to avalanche and back? It’s clear the mount colden way is difficult but I’m curious how difficult the hike would be if we just went straight and back.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Avalanche Lake is 4.8miles from the Adirondack Loj. It is a relatively easy hike with about 1000' of elevation gain.

[@allezshazam]

Did avalanche lake in May but last week we added Mt Colden to the loop. Super cool to watch this and recognize different parts of the trail.

[@flipyour20]

What's the total mileage on this loop you did...12-13? Also, did Frank summit Marcy the next day?

[@OutsideChronicles]

The Colden Loop through Avalanche Lake is 13 miles. It is a great loop. If you have never been through Avalanche Lake, you will love it. We did Giant/RPR the first day, then Colden then next day, and the final day was just Marcy for his 46er.

[@benjakinzfishing1486]

Anyone know what species of fish in these lakes?

[@OutsideChronicles]

Not sure, I have never seen anyone fishing in the High Peaks. I have heard that the NYSDEC stocked the alpine lakes and ponds via aircraft several years ago. I cannot say if it was successful or not. Thanks for watching.

[@benjakinzfishing1486]

Outside Chronicles I’ll let you know in a week or so I’m going to avalanche lake and lake colden and hike some high peaks!

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@benjakinzfishing1486 Enjoy, great area. Be sure to check the weather forecast and take microspikes. There is ice in the upper elevations.

[@benjakinzfishing1486]

Outside Chronicles all I know it’s suppose to be really really cold I’ll check for that before I go thanks!

[@humzahfaizan]

We just went here last month! I made a video on it too, if you want to check it out

[@OutsideChronicles]

Cool I will check it out, thanks for watching.

[@firebry23]

Social distance 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bobbercam7127]

The hitch me up Matilda is the submerged ledge you walk on ..not these cheese wood planks...people getting weaker every generation!