Mount Colden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Colden |
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Mount Colden as seen from Wright Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,715 ft (1,437 m) NGVD 29 |
| Prominence | 876 ft (267 m) |
| Listing | Adirondack High Peaks 11th |
| Geography | |
 Mount Colden
Location in New York
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| Parent range | Adirondacks |
| Topo map | USGS North Elba |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Unknown |
| Easiest route | Hike from the Adirondak Loj |
Mount Colden is a famous mountain in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. It is the eleventh-highest peak in the group known as the Adirondack High Peaks. This makes it a popular spot for hikers and adventurers.
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Discovering Mount Colden
Mount Colden got its name in 1836. It was named after David S. Colden. He was an important investor in a company called McIntyre Iron Works. For a short time the next year, people tried to call it "Mount McMartin." But the original name, Mount Colden, stuck around.
The Trap Dike: A Unique Feature
Mount Colden is special because of its "Trap Dike." This is a very large crack or crevice that runs right up the middle of the mountain. You can see it clearly from Avalanche Lake. It looks like a giant scar on the mountain's face.
Hiking Trails to the Summit
There are two main trails that hikers use to reach the top of Mount Colden. Both trails offer different challenges and views.
The Northeast Trail
One trail comes from the northeast side of the mountain. It goes past a place called Lake Arnold. Then, it climbs up to the summit. This trail was created in 1966. It replaced an older, much steeper path. The old path went up the southeast side and was stopped by 1975.
The Southwest Trail
The second trail is steeper than the first. It starts from the southwest, near Lake Colden. Both of these trails can be reached from a popular starting point called the Adirondak Loj.
Starting from Adirondak Loj
From the Adirondak Loj, you can hike to the Avalanche Lean-Tos. From there, you have two choices. You can go southwest through Avalanche Pass and past Avalanche Lake. This leads you to Lake Colden and the southwest trail. Or, you can go southeast to reach Lake Arnold and the northeast trail.
Starting from Upper Works
You can also get to Lake Colden and the southwest trail from another starting point. This is called the Upper Works trailhead.
Climbing the Trap Dike
Some experienced climbers try to reach the summit by climbing the Trap Dike. This route starts from Avalanche Lake. It leads to a long, slippery rock slide. After that, there's a short section where you have to push through bushes to reach the top. This is not a regular hiking trail. It is very steep and should only be tried by expert climbers with great care.
Gallery
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Mount Colden seen from Marcy Dam
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Mount Colden from Lake Colden near the Interior Outpost
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The Trap Dike from Avalanche Lake
