Primary Route
The Garden via Haystack, Basin, and Saddleback Loop
Standard Route
The Upper Great Range links Haystack, Basin, and Saddleback in one of the most demanding and rewarding day loops in the High Peaks, climbing from The Garden into the Johns Brook Valley before crossing the rugged heart of the Range Trail.
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Route map
The Garden via Haystack, Basin, and Saddleback Loop
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Planning use
Use the route line and GPX as planning aids. Carry a physical map and verify current official conditions before relying on any route.
Open the Interactive 46 High Peaks MapRoute History
The Haystack, Basin, and Saddleback loop is one of the defining ways hikers experience the Upper Great Range. Often shortened to HaBaSa, the route links three major High Peaks from The Garden by climbing out of Johns Brook Valley, reaching Haystack first, crossing Basin in the middle, then finishing the ridge over Saddleback before descending Orebed Brook. Its reputation comes from how much it compresses into one day: long approach miles, open rock, steep cols, technical scrambling, and some of the strongest views in the High Peaks.
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Route Overview
The Garden via Haystack, Basin, and Saddleback Loop
The standard Upper Great Range route follows the classic HaBaSa loop from The Garden: Johns Brook Lodge, Slant Rock, Haystack, Basin, Saddleback, Orebed Brook, and back out through the Johns Brook Valley.
Selected Route Access
Start from The Garden and use the Johns Brook Valley approach toward Johns Brook Lodge, Bushnell Falls, and Slant Rock. This route should be treated as a full-day High Peaks objective with an early start.
Selected Route Caution
The Upper Great Range is a committing High Peaks loop with long approach miles, limited water once high on the route, steep climbing, technical descents, and the Saddleback Cliffs. Reassess the group at Haystack and Basin before continuing across the ridge.
Selected Route Guidance
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