Basin: 4,827', 9th Highest Elevation in the Adirondacks; Saddleback: 4,515', 17th
Gothics as seen from Orebed Trail, on the eastern flank, just below the summit of Saddleback.
| Saddleback and Basin
represent some of the hardest hiking in the High Peaks, particularly
the western flank of Saddleback, as you descend towards the Saddleback
Basin col. I departed from "the Garden" in Keene Valley, stopped
in at Johns Brook Lodge to say hello, and proceeded up the Orebed trail
towards the eastern side of Saddleback. I had become concerned by
accounts I'd read of hiking these two mountains in this direction, and
brought with me a 50' section of rope, just in case. The dogs stayed
home, as I feared there would be multiple sections of trail they
couldn't handle. As it turned out, I was right about the dogs, and
wrong about the rope. There is quite a lot of scrambling, and some
actual climbing on the Orebed, but if you're at least 5'8" tall (or
hiking with a buddy), sure-footed and take your time, it may prove
quite enjoyable. I took the Shorey Short Cut off the Orebed, up, over
and down to the Phelps Trail which brought me back to JBL, and finally
the Garden. The entire hike took 10 hours, and was 16.3 miles long. The
views from both Saddleback and Basin are among the finest in the High
Peaks. From Otter Chalet and
Deep Woods Cabin, take
Springfield Rd. south to Jay, 9N south into Keene, and 73 southeast
through Keene Valley, turning right on Adirondack Street, just before
the Cliff hanger Cafe, and follow the signs for hiker parking. |
Click on Photos to Enlarge
Orebed Trail ladders on the way up Saddleback, Basin seen from western summit of Saddleback.
Windy day with Basin behind, west flank of Saddleback, and two shots of Johns Brook Lodge dining area.
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