Challenge: 46 High Peaks ·

#17 Saddleback Mountain

Normally climbed in conjunction with Basin, and sometimes Haystack as well, Saddleback is a beautiful peak to summit in the morning, as the first of the three in the group. If you plan in advance and want to split the climb up, you can reserve a spot to stay at Johns Brook Lodge, hiking the 3 miles to the lodge the day before, and beginning your hikes from there the following days of your stay.

Trail Stats

Distance: 13.4 miles round-trip from the Garden (if hiking only as far as Saddleback)

Elevation: 4,515 ft

Ascent: 2,200 ft from Johns Brook

Your hike will begin from the Garden, hiking 3.1 rolling miles towards Johns Brook Lodge. At 3 miles you will pass a campsite, taking a left at a junction shortly following the campsite. This left will lead you to the DEC Interior Outpost, at which point you will pick up the Orebed Brook trail. Follow this trail another 3.1 miles to Gothics Col, at which point you will reach the intersection with the Range Trail. Follow the range trail up the side of Saddleback, with great views of the slides on Gothics. The trail levels out briefly on the east summit of Saddleback, then dropping down into the “saddle” between the mountain’s two peaks before ascending again another half mile to Saddleback’s actual summit. After enjoying the view from Saddleback, you can continue on to Basin – check out our description of that hike here.

Trailhead

If you’re driving into Keene Valley from Lake Placid, there is a DEC sign after the post office on the right, at Adirondack Street. Take this right; the road will turn into Johns Brook Lane and you follow it 1.5 miles until you reach the Garden Parking Lot. If the parking lot is full, you will have to park in Keene Valley and walk the 1.5 miles along the road or park before Keene Valley at Marcy Field (coming from Keene it will be on the right, shortly before you pass the Mountaineer) and take a shuttle from there to the Garden. You should do your research before coming because the shuttle schedule changes seasonally and as of 2016 only runs on weekends.

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High Peaks Map

Plan & prepare for your ADK adventure! ADK Mountain Club's topographic trail map, High Peaks: Adirondack Trail Map, revised edition as of Summer 2021. The go-to map for the latest on High Peaks trails, lean-tos, campsites, and public-private land boundaries, many of which have changed in the last year alone.

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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.

The 46 of 46 Podcast

An outdoors documentary podcast of a local hiker's journey hiking all 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains to become an Adirondack 46er. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more.

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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.