Looking for Weekend Backpacking Loops/herd trail advice. (17/46 done, first backpacking adventure)
Howdy y'all!
Planning on doing my first high peak backpacking trip (and my first backpacking trip) this Labor Day. I have done plenty of day hikes including a couple 20 milers so I am well versed in what to bring/expect. I am also going with 2 friends who have backpacked before. We are planning on heading up Friday and leaving Monday. We would either car camp Friday night or early on the trail depending on the route we end up doing and arrival to the region.
Originally, I mapped out Wright, Algonquin, Iroquois, Marshall, Gray, Skylight, Marcy, Redfield, Cliff, Phelps, Tabletop. Nights would be spent at Lake Colden night 1 and either the campsites below Redfield/Cliff or at Marcy Dam. However, I realized that's a lot in terms of peaks and miles. I originally mapped it at 28 miles but believe it's 38!
Here was the original route. I know the blue line is closed because of the mudslide.
So I am looking for suggestions. Below are the high peaks I have done so far. If anyone has better suggestions to better split off my remaining peaks in this area of the park I would appreciate it. So far I am thinking about either starting at Upper Works and trekking to the first night spent at Lake Colden. And then the following morning doing Redfield, Cliff, Gray, Skylight, Marcy. Still a long hike but at least the ~10 miles round trip on the upper works trail is little/gradual elevation change.
Other thought I had was starting at the Garden trailhead and doing similar peaks minus Redfield and Cliff, and spending a couple nights along those trails.
Any thoughts? We would prefer the lower spectrum of 30 miles. I would like to avoid doing backtracking on multiple trips to head a similar route only to hit only one peak I missed.
Also somewhat related question: how are the heard paths up Marshall, Redfield, Gray, and Cliff?
Giant
Algonquin
Lower Wolfjaw
Upper wolfjaw
Armstrong
Gothics
Saddleback
Cascade
Porter
Whiteface
Esther
Colden
Rocky Peak Ridge
Colvin
Blake
Nippletop
Dial
1. Is my original plan too ambitious?
It’s not the miles that get you in the High Peaks, it’s the elevation gain. That loop is ambitious, especially if you’re carrying a full pack on some of those climbs. It’s not impossible, but you’ll slow down each day and need to be honest with yourself about how you’re holding up. The loop is logical, but you need to have bailout options and be willing to skip peaks if you bit off more than you can chew.
2. What’s the best alternative route?
The loop works fine as long as you’re flexible. The best start point for it is from the LOJ, but no matter where you begin, go in with a plan that you can adjust. Prioritize certain peaks, and if the trip starts running long, cut it down without feeling like you failed.
3. Upper Works or Garden?
I’d recommend starting from the LOJ instead. It gives you the best access to this loop and keeps your options open if you need to change plans.
4. How do I keep mileage closer to 30 and avoid backtracking?
Same answer as question one: plan for the big loop, but give yourself the flexibility to bail or shorten the route if you’re running out of gas. You don’t have to hit them all in one trip.
5. How are the herd paths?
They’re all navigable. Muddy and rugged in spots, but nothing outrageous if you’re prepared. Just don’t rely only on GPS — keep a real map with you.