Dial Mountain, Nippletop, Mount Colvin, Blake Peak, Sawteeth in Adirondack Park, NY

Hike Dial Mountain, Nippletop, Mount Colvin, Blake Peak, Sawteeth Adirondack Park, NY

Class 2 24.4 miles 9300 gain 10-14 hrs Loop Jul 15, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Dial Mountain, Nippletop, Mount Colvin, Blake Peak, Sawteeth GPX Track

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After a few days of feeling under the weather, which limited my ability to hike as much as I had planned, I was antsy and thrilled to feel better today. I tackled five of the Adirondack 46ers on this route: Dial Mountain, Nippletop, Mount Colvin, Blake Peak, and Sawteeth. These peaks are most easily accessed from the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) parking lot. The annoyance, though, is that the approach requires hiking a lengthy dirt road, and I preferred to do that only once. This plan worked well for the first four 46ers, but Sawteeth is an outlier since it's a nubbin poking out on the south side of the adjacent Great Range, requiring significant effort at the end of the day, so I began knowing I could add it if I had the energy.

I had obtained a free day-use permit online a few days earlier to park at the AMR trailhead. When I arrived, someone checked my name against a printed list, more official of a process than I imagined it would be. I started on a paved road that passes through a golf course and some residences before reaching the AMR register kiosk. I signed in and continued along the dirt road until I spotted the HG Leach Trail on the left, labeled on a sign that also included "Dial and Nippletop." The trail ascended through a forest alongside a creek. At this low elevation, the typical steep and rocky Adirondack boulder scrambles hadn't begun yet. I made great time up to a viewpoint overlooking the ridgeline leading to Dial Mountain, though I had to lose some elevation from this viewpoint before starting the ascent to Dial Mountain.

As I gained elevation, the trail became mossier, and I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of boulders on the path, which are usually abundant and time-consuming. I summited Dial Mountain and continued to a false summit of Nippletop. The views were excellent for the last few hundred feet to the summit, and even better once I reached it, especially looking northwest toward the Great Range.

I backtracked to a junction with the Elk Pass Trail, which descended steeply over rugged boulders to Elk Pass below. On the way down I could see Mount Colvin's forested form ahead. A series of boardwalks took me around a small pond nestled at the saddle before I continued to another junction. This junction gave me the option to follow the Gill Brook Trail north and head back to the car, a popular loop for hikers looking to just summit Dial and Nippletop, but I was here for Mount Colvin and Blake Peak. The challenge with these two summits is that they are two peaks along a short ridgeline, and to reach the second, you have to hike back over the first. Since I was first summiting Mount Colvin first, I knew I'd have to eat the significant additional vertical gain to reascend it later.

The Colvin Trail was more typical for the Adirondacks, with lots of scrambling obstacles leading steeply to the summit. Notably, there was an avoidable Class 3 obstacle, a slab that offered good views, and just below the summit the trail climbed up a couple of short ladders and a large rock formation. I was impressed with the summit of Mount Colvin, especially the view down to Lower Ausable Lake, which might be my favorite in the Adirondacks. The Great Range, stretching out ahead, made it even more spectacular. I could also look back and see Nippletop across the valley.

Next, I descended from Mount Colvin toward the saddle with Blake Peak. There was an extended ladder section along the descent, as well as more steep boulders. The climb up to Blake Peak was similar, with sporadic views not too different from Mount Colvin. I had read that this traverse is generally disliked, but I enjoyed it. I suspect people mostly grumble about the need to reascend Mount Colvin and it puts a damper on the whole ordeal. The summit of Blake Peak was completely obscured by trees, and I hiked to a couple of potential high points since I wasn’t sure which one was the true summit.

After backtracking and rejoining the Gill Brook Trail, I realized I was completely out of water. This forced me to leave the trail and find a spot to refill at Gill Brook. Although this detour didn’t factor into the listed stats above, it gave me the chance to discover a narrow, lush section of canyon within the brook. This was a magical spot where I replenished my electrolytes and could decide to tackle Sawteeth instead of continuing along the Gill Brook Trail and back to the car early.

From the Gill Brook Trail, I turned left onto the Fish Hawk Cliffs Trail, which led to the iconic Fish Hawk Cliffs Lookout Point. This overlook provides stunning views of Lower Ausable Lake, nestled between Sawteeth, which rises abruptly to the north, and Mount Colvin to the south. From the cliffs, I took the Indian Head Trail down to the lake’s northern outlet, crossed a dam, and found the start of the Sawteeth Scenic Trail. Sawteeth can be accessed from other routes, but this one is the most strenuous. It had been on my radar for a while due to its steep, zigzagging ascent up the south face of Sawteeth via a contrived route, and who wouldn’t want to hike something simply named the "Scenic Trail"?

Initially, the trail hugged the north bank of Lower Ausable Lake, winding around its nooks and crannies, sometimes aided by small bridges, before beginning its ascent in earnest. While there were occasional lookouts over the lake, signs offered the option to hike to various viewpoints, including generically named Outlook #1 and Outlook #4, as well as a longer spur trail to Marble Point. I passed these by, eager to reach the summit, figuring there were plenty of views along the way. The trail makes its way steeply to the base of multiple cliff bands, then follows these until a weakness provides access to higher ground, the result being a zigzagging route up the mossy slope. Ladders assisted in some sections, with light scrambling and even a few spots with some exposure. I reached the Sawteeth – Southeast Peak, a minor bump before the true summit. Once I arrived at Sawteeth's high point, I was blown away by the views of the Gothics to the north, especially with the afternoon light hitting its slabs. This vantage also provided anup-close and personal view of the Great Range.

I descended the AW Weld Trail, which started steeply but soon became more gentle. Along the way, I passed a beautiful mossy creek crossing, and near the bottom of the trail, I stopped at the Rainbow Falls Lookout. Although the waterfall was partially obscured by trees, there is a short detour to see it from the base, but I was eager to get back for dinner. After crossing the dam at the north end of Lower Ausable Lake, I could have taken the East River Trail instead of the road for a more enjoyable hike back. However, with biting flies now out, I opted for the path of least resistance, keen to make quick progress to my car. I absolutely loved this longer outing in the Adirondack High Peaks and was even more thrilled that I don’t have to hike Lake Road out and back again just to get Sawteeth.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Bear Den Mountain
3404 ft
187 rise
2
Dial Mountain
4017 ft
191 rise
3
Dial Mountain - South Peak
4027 ft
108 rise
4
Nippletop
4633 ft
1398 rise
5
Mount Colvin
4072 ft
752 rise
6
Blake Peak
4001 ft
599 rise
7
Sawteeth - Southeast Peak
4102 ft
154 rise
8
Sawteeth
4146 ft
491 rise

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From the AMR trailhead, I had to hike along the paved Lake road through a golf course.
From the AMR trailhead, I had to hike along the paved Lake road through a golf course.
The trailhead kiosk. Lake road turns into dirt, but is not drivable.
The trailhead kiosk. Lake road turns into dirt, but is not drivable.
After a bit of hiking along the road, I reached the turn off for the HG Leach Trail.
After a bit of hiking along the road, I reached the turn off for the HG Leach Trail.
This trail initially climbs pretty steeply through deciduous forest.
This trail initially climbs pretty steeply through deciduous forest.
View back along the HG Leach Trail.
View back along the HG Leach Trail.
Switchback along the way up.
Switchback along the way up.
Image 6 from gallery
The viewpoint before dropping down a few hundred feet. Ahead you can see the Dial Mountain ridgeline, starting with Bear Den Mountain.
The viewpoint before dropping down a few hundred feet. Ahead you can see the Dial Mountain ridgeline, starting with Bear Den Mountain.
A view toward the Great Range.
A view toward the Great Range.
On the way up to Dial Mountain, passing over Bear Den Mountain.
On the way up to Dial Mountain, passing over Bear Den Mountain.
Image 10 from gallery
Image 11 from gallery
Lots of pretty greenery and a trail that is less rocky than average for the Adirondack High Peaks.
Lots of pretty greenery and a trail that is less rocky than average for the Adirondack High Peaks.
Dial Mountain, a view toward the Great Range on the right and the remaining ridge to Nippletop on the left.
Dial Mountain, a view toward the Great Range on the right and the remaining ridge to Nippletop on the left.
A short descent from Dial Mountain.
A short descent from Dial Mountain.
Now ascending toward Nippletop.
Now ascending toward Nippletop.
Image 16 from gallery
Image 17 from gallery
Image 18 from gallery
View back on my way up to Nippletop.
View back on my way up to Nippletop.
Junction with the Elk Pass Trail. First I took the short spur trail to Nippletop.
Junction with the Elk Pass Trail. First I took the short spur trail to Nippletop.
Nippletop ahead seen from its false summit.
Nippletop ahead seen from its false summit.
Nippletop, view back the way I came.
Nippletop, view back the way I came.
Great Range Traverse from the summit of Nippletop.
Great Range Traverse from the summit of Nippletop.
Close-up of Mount Colvin and Blake Peak across the valley.
Close-up of Mount Colvin and Blake Peak across the valley.
Close-up toward the Dix Range.
Close-up toward the Dix Range.
Descending via the Elk Pass Trail, the Great Range seen above. It's pretty steep down to Elk Pass.
Descending via the Elk Pass Trail, the Great Range seen above. It's pretty steep down to Elk Pass.
View back up the rocky, steep descent.
View back up the rocky, steep descent.
Very pretty pond at Elk Pass.
Very pretty pond at Elk Pass.
Boardwalks around the pond at Elk Pass.
Boardwalks around the pond at Elk Pass.
Some rocky, flat walking over to the junction with the Mount Colvin Trail.
Some rocky, flat walking over to the junction with the Mount Colvin Trail.
Junction with the Mount Colvin Trail.
Junction with the Mount Colvin Trail.
Bouldery and steep hiking up to Mount Colvin.
Bouldery and steep hiking up to Mount Colvin.
Lots of Class 2 to be found along the way.
Lots of Class 2 to be found along the way.
Image 34 from gallery
An interesting slab feature on the way up to Mount Colvin, Class 2.
An interesting slab feature on the way up to Mount Colvin, Class 2.
View back down the slab, a nice view as well.
View back down the slab, a nice view as well.
Last bit of Class 2, including a ladder, to get up the rock feature ahead.
Last bit of Class 2, including a ladder, to get up the rock feature ahead.
Looking down a small ladder.
Looking down a small ladder.
Summit of Mount Colvin, view toward Nippletop.
Summit of Mount Colvin, view toward Nippletop.
View toward the Great Range.
View toward the Great Range.
Mount Colvin summit, view down toward Lower Ausable Lake. Sawteeth seen left, Great Range above it.
Mount Colvin summit, view down toward Lower Ausable Lake. Sawteeth seen left, Great Range above it.
Lower Ausable Lake.
Lower Ausable Lake.
Onward, descending to the saddle with Blake Peak.
Onward, descending to the saddle with Blake Peak.
It's pretty steep and rocky on the way down.
It's pretty steep and rocky on the way down.
A ladder along the way. Blake Peak seen top left.
A ladder along the way. Blake Peak seen top left.
From the saddle, ascending to Blake Peak.
From the saddle, ascending to Blake Peak.
More steep and rocky hiking.
More steep and rocky hiking.
View Back, Mount Colvin seen through the trees.
View Back, Mount Colvin seen through the trees.
Bouldery higher up, too.
Bouldery higher up, too.
View back, the Great Range visible.
View back, the Great Range visible.
Last bit of forest hiking to the summit.
Last bit of forest hiking to the summit.
Blake Peak summit somewhere around here.
Blake Peak summit somewhere around here.
I backtracked and continued along the Gill Brook Trail, taking a left at this junction to reach the Fish Hawk Cliffs.
I backtracked and continued along the Gill Brook Trail, taking a left at this junction to reach the Fish Hawk Cliffs.
While this canyon isn't found on the route described, it was part of my detour to get water within Gill Brook, a lovely find.
While this canyon isn't found on the route described, it was part of my detour to get water within Gill Brook, a lovely find.
Approaching Fish Hawk Cliffs.
Approaching Fish Hawk Cliffs.
Fish Hawk Cliffs. Left is Mount Colvin, right is Sawteeth.
Fish Hawk Cliffs. Left is Mount Colvin, right is Sawteeth.
Fish Hawk Cliffs, view north.
Fish Hawk Cliffs, view north.
Onward along the Indian Head Trail.
Onward along the Indian Head Trail.
A view toward Lower Ausable Lake and the dam I'll be crossing over shortly.
A view toward Lower Ausable Lake and the dam I'll be crossing over shortly.
Another shot from along the Indian Head Trail.
Another shot from along the Indian Head Trail.
Close-up of this gorgeous, iconic spot.
Close-up of this gorgeous, iconic spot.
Descending on the Indian Head Trail.
Descending on the Indian Head Trail.
Back at Lake Road, I crossed the dam to head up to Sawteeth.
Back at Lake Road, I crossed the dam to head up to Sawteeth.
Dam view toward Mount Colvin.
Dam view toward Mount Colvin.
Sawteeth via Scenic Trail, left.
Sawteeth via Scenic Trail, left.
The Scenic Trail skirts the north side of Lower Ausable Lake.
The Scenic Trail skirts the north side of Lower Ausable Lake.
Sometimes the trail is assisted by a small bridge.
Sometimes the trail is assisted by a small bridge.
A view toward the lake at the Fish Lake Cliffs.
A view toward the lake at the Fish Lake Cliffs.
The Scenic Trail begins ascending away from the lake.
The Scenic Trail begins ascending away from the lake.
It's a steep trail for its entirety from here.
It's a steep trail for its entirety from here.
Lots of little switchbacks make their way around little cliffies.
Lots of little switchbacks make their way around little cliffies.
The trail finds many weaknesses in the steep and cliffy slope and heads to them.
The trail finds many weaknesses in the steep and cliffy slope and heads to them.
Along the base of this cliff.
Along the base of this cliff.
A few ladders to assist up little faces.
A few ladders to assist up little faces.
And plenty of gorgeous mosses.
And plenty of gorgeous mosses.
There's an occasional view, and many lookout points marked with signs.
There's an occasional view, and many lookout points marked with signs.
Image 77 from gallery
Image 78 from gallery
Steep and overgrown, it's very pretty and feels wild.
Steep and overgrown, it's very pretty and feels wild.
Another little ladder with some light exposure.
Another little ladder with some light exposure.
A taller ladder up a steep face.
A taller ladder up a steep face.
Some more light exposure as the trail hugs a cliff.
Some more light exposure as the trail hugs a cliff.
Gaining elevation as I reach the false summit of Sawteeth, there are some decent views.
Gaining elevation as I reach the false summit of Sawteeth, there are some decent views.
View down toward the saddle separating the false summit from the true summit.
View down toward the saddle separating the false summit from the true summit.
Last bit of ascent for the day to gain Sawteeth.
Last bit of ascent for the day to gain Sawteeth.
Summit of Sawteeth.
Summit of Sawteeth.
Gorgeous afternoon view from Sawteeth.
Gorgeous afternoon view from Sawteeth.
Close-up of Gothics ahead.
Close-up of Gothics ahead.
Descending along the AW Weld Trail, steep at first, then quite tame for its remainder.
Descending along the AW Weld Trail, steep at first, then quite tame for its remainder.
Image 90 from gallery
Very pretty creek crossing.
Very pretty creek crossing.
Rainbow Falls overlook.
Rainbow Falls overlook.
Paralleling a creek for a while until back to the dam.
Paralleling a creek for a while until back to the dam.
I followed Lake Road back to the trailhead.
I followed Lake Road back to the trailhead.
A bridge along the lengthy Lake Road walk.
A bridge along the lengthy Lake Road walk.

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