Mount Colden is the 11th highest peak in the Adirondacks. Its elevation reached 4,714 feet. Its most prominent feature, the Trap Dike, is popular with both experienced hikers and rock climbers.
Sitting between the MacIntyre and Great Ranges, Mount Colden provides incredible views despite a summit that is not entirely bald. The Trap Dike, a large crevice running up the middle of the mountain, is easily seen from Avalanche Lake.
Mount Colden was named after McIntyre Ironworks Investor, David S. Colden, in 1836.
There are two trails to summit Mount Colden, both starting at the Adirondack Loj Trailhead. The northeast approach passes by Lake Arnold and features several false peaks before you reach the summit. A southwestern approach is steeper and starts from Lake Colden.
The northeast approach will take an experienced hiker roughly 9 hours round trip, with a length of about 12 miles. The southwestern approach is 15.2 miles roundtrip and will take about 10 hours for experienced hikers.