Colden Trap Dyke: The base of the Trap

Colden Trap Dyke Base Via Avalanche Pass

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 10.1 Miles Elevation: 2885’ Elevation Gain: 1335' ’ Mountain Range: Adirondack Mountains

The Colden Trap Dyke gives access to Mount Colden, New York's 11th High Peak 

The Trail Begins at the Adirondack LOJ, Head towards Marcy Dam and Follow Avalanche pass to the base of the Trap.

The Colden Trap Dyke, as viewed from across Avalanche Lake. This View is accessible by heading to Marcy dam and continuing through the "Misery mile" until Avalanche Pass.

  How the photo was taken

F-stop: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 1/80 sec
ISO Speed: ISO-100
Focal Length: 20mm
Color Profile: Adobe Landscape


History excerpt from Hamilton College

"In 1850, Mount Colden saw its first ascent by Alexander Ralph and Robert Clark via the Trap Dike (Adirondack Rock 516).  All other high peak ascents to that date were done for research or surveys, making this summit the first to be done “for the sheer joy of climbing” (Heaven 235).  

 While the Trap Dike’s first ascent was done without ropes or proper climbing equipment, there is much discussion over whether the feature should be labeled a hike or a climb.  The Trap Dike is graded as a third – or fourth-class climb in the Yosemite Decimal System, which means that it is a rocky, non-technical and potentially exposed scramble, so a fall could result in serious injury or death (The “New” Trap Dike).  
On September 30, 2011, the Trap Dike saw its first ever summer climbing fatality (it is also a very popular winter mountaineering route that has claimed a handful of lives).  The hiker, though experienced, was not climbing with protective climbing equipment and his death re-sparked the debate over whether the Trap Dike should be labeled a rock climb that warrants the use of a rope (Climber Dies in Trap Dike)."

The slide is unable to be seen from this close to the base, leaving only the Trap visible

 How the photo was taken

F-stop: f/7.1

Exposure Time: 1/100 sec

ISO Speed: ISO-100

Focal Length: 44mm

Color Profile: Adobe Landscape

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately”- Henry David Thoreau

“Mount Colden.” Hiking the 46ers - Mount Colden - Hamilton College, courses.hamilton.edu/hiking-the-46ers/mount-colden.