Phelps Mountain
Topographic map courtesy of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
TRAILHEAD
March, 2017
Chris, our most aspiring 46er, signs our group in, for the record.
We assembled our party in the parking lot of the High Peaks Wilderness Center near the Adirondack Loj, and near our trailhead.
SUMMIT
Even though I’d already done Phelps, I visited Phelps once again in early spring of 2017. This was
a winter hike in all ways, except in the eyes of the calendar. We missed it being in winter by 1 week.
This trip was to help my friend and aspiring 46er Chris finish his quest. He had only one mountain left,
and this was the day that he would become a 46er. I was honored to accompany him and his family
and friends up to the top, and back again.
Our base of operations this trip was the quaint and always-dependable Art Devlin’s Olympic Motor Inn,
in Lake Placid. We love this hotel; it’s affordable, close to the village and clean.
The weather was about 36 degrees, with absolutely no wind whatsoever. So many of us were able to
de-layer quite a bit, without any threat of hypothermia.
Jonathan, Mike, myself, Dan, Monica, Ethan and Chris on the way to Marcy Dam.
Chris at the first trail split. We took the blue trail to the left, toward Marcy Dam.
Chris’ nephew Dan chugs some honey; his energy food of choice.
Taking a huff ‘n puff break on the way up...
There was enough snow and ice left on the pond that we could cross safely.
About a quarter mile in, we hit the boardwalk over the bog.
After our break, Chris leads the way.
We took a break to get some food and drink at Marcy Dam. The clouds were too low to see any of the surrounding mountains.
Chris and his daughter Monica pose on Marcy Dam. You should be able to see Colden behind, but not today...
Chris, Monica and Omar head up the Van Hoevenburg Trail.
We soon reach the left turn onto the red trail to summit Phelps. Only a mile to go, but it’ll be a sweat-fest.
The end.
We hit the one tough spot on the trail, a frozen steep section that requires some caution.
I made it to the top, only to have to duck under a frozen pine bough.
A panorama as we start breaking out into the smaller growth-stunted evergreens.
We finally reach the summit ledge of Phelps.
Chris and Monica share a congratulatory hug at the summit with Omar and Ethan cheering on.
Jonathan, Chris and Tanner refuel at the summit ledge. Normally, there’d be a nice view of Mt. Marcy behind them, but not today, unfortunately.
I congratulate Chris on his accomplishment.
Monica and Omar getting close to the top.
Chris celebrates with Monica. It’s her very first of the 46, and his final, (although he’s technically not a 46er yet; he has to successfully get back down the mountain, to the trailhead still).
Chris is joined by his nephew Dan.
The ChaseDesign crew: myself, Chris, Jonathan and Tanner.
We used the amazing custom-etched medallion that Monica made for her dad for our summit marker “obligatory boot shot”.
Omar and Dan follow Chris and Monica back down into the pines, as we begin our journey back to the trailhead.
Omar and Monica try to find the best way down the steep section.
Now it’s my turn.
Back onto the main Van Hoevenburg trail now, and it’s quick and easy-going.
Just an easy stroll through the woods on the blue trail.
Jonathan poses on the mostly-frozen pond at Marcy Dam, with Whale’s Tail and Wright Peak behind him. You can see the clouds are rising slowly, affording a bit more of a view than before.
After Marcy Dam, most of us decided to take off the snowshoes, and don the micro-spikes for the remaining flatter hike out. The trail was packed and nobody was post-holing.
The hike back went quickly, and most of it is gradually downhill, mercifully. This photo shows one of the few uphill sections we encountered.
This photo is taken on the high-water crossing bridge over Phelps Brook.
Chris looking happy as we descend the gentle grade of the Van Hoevenburg Trail.
Back at the boardwalk & bog section; it won’t be long now until we’re back at the trailhead!
Chris signs our hiking party back out, and officially finishes both this trip up and down Phelps, and his quest to become a 46er!
We meet Chris’s family at the parking lot, and immediately we’re handed champagne for a toast to the newest 46er.
Back at the hotel, Tanner and I give Chris a little something we worked up to summarize his momentous accomplishments.
The next morning, the clouds had of course lifted, and we got a nice view from our balcony. A nice ending to our trip. Congratulations, my friend!