Multi-Day
The Great Range Traverse Trekking Weekend

Saturday > Depart for the Adirondack Mountains

We will leave New York City on Saturday morning, drive north, and head into the heart of the mountains to an area known as the “High Peaks.” This area contains some of the most magnificent and challenging peaks in the Adirondacks, with over 100 summits ranging from 1,200 to over 5,000 feet in altitude. Our mission: to tackle the highest of them all!
Upon arriving at the foothills of the mountains, we will hike 3.5 miles to our home for the weekend: John’s Brook Lodge. Along the trail we will negotiate streams, bridges, rocks and all the trees and roots you can imagine. Nestled within the babbling John’s Brook valley, and only two miles from our first summit, our lodge is the ideal base camp for the Great Range Traverse. Upon arrival, we will unload our backpacks, set up our beds (yes, beds), kick off our boots and relax until dinner: prepared for you with love and dedication by your intrepid guides.

Sunday > Hike the Ten Peaks

After enjoying our first peaceful mountain sleep we will get a jump on a day of challenging hiking: 15 miles of rugged terrain. Starting from our lodge, we will climb over 4,000 vertical feet to the summits of Mount Marcy, Little Marcy, Haystack, Little Haystack, Basin, Saddleback, Gothics, Armstrong, Upper Wolfjaw and Lower Wolfjaw all along one Great Range! As we reach the final ascent of each high peak, we will push above tree line to enjoy a cool breeze and unmatched views of New York State. You may expect short but frequent breaks at each summit.
After we have climbed the last peak our feet can handle, we will descend once again into the John’s Brook Valley for a well-earned dinner and our second nights rest at the lodge.

Monday > Last Chance Hiking

Monday morning offers a chance to sleep in a little and then enjoy our last meal at the Lodge. We will take our time packing up the gear and then, depending on the weather, you will have the chance to relax at the lodge, explore the valley, or grab one last peak before heading back to New York City.

Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

1. Activity

   How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

2. Distances

   You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

3. Surfaces

   What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

4. Elevation Change

   The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

5. Altitude

   The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

1. Activity

   1 – 3 hours

2. Distances

   Walk or hike less than 3 miles

3. Surfaces

   Flat terrain

4. Elevation Change

   Little or none

5. Altitude

   Less than 3,000 feet

Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

1. Activity

   2 – 5 hours

2. Distances

   Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 1,500 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 6,000 feet

Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above

1. Activity

   4 – 6 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 2,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 10,000 feet

Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Experience required.

1. Activity

   5 – 8 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 3,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 14,000 feet

Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).

1. Activity

   10 plus hours per day

2. Distances

   Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 4,000+ feet per day

5. Altitude

   May well exceed 14,000 feet