These two peaks will give you a new appreciation for the Adirondack 46, particularly once you reach Blake Peak. Tucked deep in the Ausable Lakes Valley, Mount Colvin and Blake Peak offer a rugged hiking experience. Mount Colvin is a great hike on its own, featuring stunning views from its summit. However, Blake Peak is often climbed solely for the 46er checklist, as it offers no summit views and a difficult out-and-back route. These peaks can also be combined with Nippletop and Dial for a longer, more grueling adventure.
COLVIN & BLAKE
via the AMR
What to know
Adirondack Mountain Reserve
(AMR)/Ausable Club/St. Huberts
Distance
Elevation Gain
Difficulty
Average Time
Highest Point
15.7 miles
4,100feet
4/7
9-11hours
4,057 feet
The Gate at the AMR
Special Considerations:
Bring plenty of water as it is really scarce throughout the rest of this hike once you leave the road. The out-and-back from Colvin to Blake is pretty brutal. Expected to be slow and annoying.
Water Availability:
Little to no water except at Gill Brook, but none beyond this point.
Maximum Grade:
700 feet: back
of Colvin; 500 feet: ascent to Blake. The ascent back up Colvin from Blake is the most challenging section.
Sunrise or Sunset:
Colvin has a decent sunrise or sunset, with good valley lighting.
Views:
Colvin offers great panoramic views. Blake has only one partial view on the ascent and none at the summit.
Dog Friendliness:
Dogs are not allowed on AMR property. However, they are permitted if hiking from Elk Lake and back.
Check out the route! (Zoom)
View Photos of this Hike
Trail Summary
Alternate Approaches
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0.0 Start at AMR parking lot
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0.6 Reach AMR gate for Lake Road
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2.7 Turn at Gill Brook Trail sign on the left
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3.7 Pass a sign, continue straight
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3.9 Pass an Indian Head sign, head straight
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4.5 Pass another Indian Head sign, continue straight
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5.3 Arrive at Nippletop/Colvin fork sign, stay right toward Colvin
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6.4 Reach Colvin summit, descend the back side toward Blake
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7.2 Reach the bottom col between Colvin and Blake, follow signs to Blake
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7.7 Reach Blake Peak summit, turn around
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15.6 Arrive back at the Ausable parking lot and gate
17.8 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain
PINNACLE TRAVERSE:
For those looking for a more adventurous and remote hike, the Pinnacle Traverse offers a unique way to reach Colvin and Blake while continuing on toward Pinnacle Ridge and Elk Lake.
This thru-hike begins at AMR and follows the same route up Colvin and Blake. However, rather than retracing steps, the hike continues along the ridge, covering multiple sub-peaks, including Pinnacle Peak. The traverse provides various unique viewpoints along the ridge, including Lookout Rock and the 72 Steps.
The final descent drops hikers into Elk Lake via a 7.5-mile stretch of lightly traveled trails, eventually leading to Guideboard Brook. After reaching Elk Lake’s private property, hikers follow a designated route back to Elk Lake Road, completing the journey at a separate trailhead.
This route is longer and logistically challenging but offers solitude, new perspectives, and a break from the traditional out-and-back format.