A chilly start

All Locations > New York > Adirondacks > E: High Peaks R… > Mt Colden > Trap Dike (summer) (4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b)

A chilly start

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Steve & Sheila on the slab. We took the lowest exit and used a 8mm rope to the tree-overlap about 1/2 way up.

Another view looking up ... lots of vegetation in the 2 years since the most recent slide.<br>
Notice the woman in yellow jacket near bottom of right side to gauge perspective.

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3.7 from 3 votes

Shane Kenyon

May 3, 2020

“A chilly start”

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Nearby Photos

Colvin on the old Colden Slab. This ascent, though less steep than the new slab is far less enjoyable to climb because it is dirtier and requires a much harder exit (especially for K9s). <br>
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My recommendation, do both slabs, but choose the new slab if conditions are wet or rain threatens. Choose the old slab for the more challenging exit and a little more slick slab climbing. <br>

K9 (Colvin) being belayed up the crux headwall of the Colden Trap Dike. I've heard rumors people don't believe dogs have ever ascended the Trap Dike, this is at least the 2nd ascent, these photos should permanently put that to rest. <br>
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Bear in mind it is a 4th class scramble, please note the safety measures employed: Full climbing harness and a anchored top rope belay.

jack high up on a wet day in the dike

Perspective ... looking down from Mt Algonquin summit 5,100 ft, the final "mud band" can be identified just before the top of the white slide.

Near the top of the slab

Nice

Trap Dike Rock up close...check out those grains.

The crew leading up to the class 4 section of the Trap Dike! One of the best hikes in the dacks!

Trap Dike May 2021

Starting the slab...probably my favorite part.

More trees in, and at the bottom of, Colden Dike (July 2005)

An older woman (70) was perhaps ill-prepared for the dike was stuck here at the crux waterfall for 20 min before being helped by our group. The spot is actually steeper than it looks. The waterfall can not be seen just left of the pic.

transition from dike to upper (new) slide

Dike on the upper slab

Start of 2011 slide - cracks/laybacks trending up and left is path of least resistance

Perspective .... Looking from the summit of Algonquin (5,100), Mt Marcy is in the top left...the white slide almost sparkled when the sun hit ...

Steve & Sheila on the slab. We took the lowest exit and used a 8mm rope to the tree-overlap about 1/2 way up.

A chilly start

Another view looking up ... lots of vegetation in the 2 years since the most recent slide.<br>
Notice the woman in yellow jacket near bottom of right side to gauge perspective.

first three legged dog to hike up the trap dike?

Trap Dike's glistening white slide looms over Marcy Dam on the upper right flank of Mt. Colden. Photo by Henry Ley (@henry_ley).

Near the top of the slide

Henry Ley (@henry_ley) cruising the slide with views of Algonquin behind him.

Me & David on the summit boulder of Mt. Colden (Photo: Russ Clune)

Trap Dike from across Avalanche Lake.

Looking at the Trap Dike from across the lake, trail came from; Marcy Dam-ADK LOJ

Henry Ley (@henry_ley) enjoying a squeeze move in the fourth class section.

Upper Colden Slide May 2021

one of the two steeper waterfall sections

Trying to stay dry in the wet Dike. We weren't sure what to expect, but rope and rack are not necessary. Photo by Henry Ley (@henry_ley).

2011 slide shortly after exiting the Trap Dike.

My partner just before the waterfall section, first team up.

Around the 1st waterfall, looking down.

beginning section on the slide; great friction

The base of the route

Trees in Colden Dike - July 2005

Looking up from base, merely a simple scramble at the start. "Enlarge" to see climber in shorts mid center for scale.
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There must be excellent climbing opportunities on either side of the dike although the routes looked pretty vertical.

The slide

Trap Dike's fourth class. We weren't sure what to expect, but rope and rack are not necessary for climbers. Photo by Henry Ley (@henry_ley).

Looking up from the top of the first main "climb"

Looking down the new POST Irene exit slide

Exiting the dike

Exiting the 4th class. Be careful here.

The slab goes on for days

Man when I climbed it the water falls were gushing pretty good!This is an excellent solo!

View from the base of the dike

Steve Miller and Sheila Matz in the Dike.

Approaching the crux

Heading up the irene slide

It made it a little more interesting I think! The guy at the mountaineer laughed after I told him that I got in a fight with a water fall! LOL