Challenge: 46 High Peaks ·

#39 Mount Colvin

Mount Colvin has a beautiful view of Mt. Marcy and the Great Range from its summit. The only caveat is that there is a moderately long (though mostly flat) hike in from the Ausable Club to the head of Lower Ausable Lake before you can start climbing up to the summit.

Trail Stats:

Distance	~12 miles round-trip
Elevation	4,057 feet
Ascent	2,330 feet

To hike Colvin, you must begin at the Ausable Club, checking in at the Watchman’s Hut and hike from there. You will hike the trail towards Lower Lake for 2.5 miles, at which point you will take a trail up to the left. The trail will leave the Lower Lake and climb gradually for 0.5 miles where it intersects with the Gill Brook Trail. Take a right, the trail will soon intersect with the trail right to Indian Head. Continue on another 0.3 miles and the trail will reach another intersection to the right to Fish Hawk Cliffs and back to Indian Head. Continue on straight and gradually up for another 0.7 miles before reaching another intersection, this time to the left for Elk Pass and Nipple Top. Continue to the right and climb rolling up for another mile. Soon the trail will start climbing steeply for a quarter mile to the summit of Colvin. Take in the beautiful views and continue on to Blake Peak if you choose.

Back to Adirondack Hiking

Trailhead Location

To get to the Ausable Club, you will drive down Route 73 from Keene Valley, taking a right on Ausable Club Road ~3 miles from downtown Keene Valley. Follow this road a short ways to a parking lot on your right. You will then have to walk ¾ of a mile along the road up to the watchman’s gate at the Ausable Club.

Depending on the time of year, a hiker parking reservation may be required. Although it is referred to as a "parking reservation," regardless of whether you drove yourself, rode a bike, were dropped off, or walked, you will need a reservation to access hikes in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve. See below for details:

⚠️ Take Note

Parking Reservation Required

No-cost reservations will be required May 1 through Oct. 31, 2023 for parking, daily access, and overnight access to trailheads and trails on AMR property.

Visitors can make reservations
beginning mid-April at www.hikeamr.org. Walk-in users without a reservation will not be permitted.

Reserve Spot

Keep it PURE

Remember to Leave No Trace! Buy a physical map, read it, plan, and prepare. Think about the NYS Rangers and medical personnel that exhaust themselves for a rescue that could have been avoided. Pack out your trash. Use a bear canister when primitive camping and cook away from where you’re sleeping. Do the rock walk to help reduce the impact on fragile alpine vegetation. Camp at designated campsites and never camp on or near summits.

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ADK 46er Journey: Brecka Coonradt

We welcome Brecka Coonradt, who shares her experience hiking the 46 Adirondack High Peaks to become an ADK 46er. Enjoy following along below as she shares her stories and lessons learned throughout her journey.

ADK 46er Winter Journey: Jay Whitbourne

I have seen some of the most amazing cloud inversions during the winter and had some of the most surreal moments when the snow conditions are just right, the sky is clear, the wind is calm and the air isn't nipping at your skin.

ADK Winter 46er Journey: Sam Perkins

I have learned so much over the years, and I continue to learn each time I go for a hike. I could go on and on about gear, trails, mountains, clothing, etc. A lot of it has been trial and error. I have spent a lot of time reading, looking at maps, learning more about weather, researching different gear… the list goes on.

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