JBL Adirondack High Peaks Trip

This Adirondack High Peaks adventure is crafted for intermediate to advanced hikers with exceptional fitness levels. Using Johns Brook Lodge as our basecamp, you’ll enjoy unparalleled access to some of the most breathtaking and challenging hikes in the Great Range*.

This trip is not for the faint of heart. We’ll tackle the formidable Saddleback Cliffs and the iconic Gothics cable route, both requiring comfort with heights and a steady resolve.

• Day 1: We’ll conquer Haystack, Basin, and Saddleback (affectionately called HaBaSa), a demanding 10.1-mile round trip with approximately 4,022 feet of elevation gain.
• Day 2: Our journey continues to Gothics, Armstrong, and Upper Wolfjaw, covering 7.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 3,076 feet.

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating challenge and unforgettable views in the heart of the Adirondacks!

* Mountains may change based on the group preferences.

What’s included:

• Bunk at Johns Brook Lodge
• Dinner Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
• Breakfast Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
• Lunch Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
• Licensed, insured NYS Guides
• Gratuity for JBL staff

What’s not included:

• Sheets, blankets, and sleeping bags
• Towels
• Additional trail snacks
• Transportation to Keene
• Gratuity for your guides

Accommodations

Johns Brook Lodge (shared bunk rooms)

Check-in: Thursday 7/31/2025
Check-out: Sunday 8/3/2025

It is a 3.5 mile hike from the Garden Parking lot. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is included. It is a carry in, carry out facility. No showers. Vault toilets. Pillows are provided. Guests must bring sheets and blankets or sleeping bags and towels. Read more, JBL Full Service.

Itinerary

Thursday 7/31: Travel to Johns Brook Lodge, evening “briefing”
Friday 8/1: Climb Haystack, Basin, & Saddleback
Saturday 8/2: Climb Gothics, Armstrong, & Upper Wolfjaw
Sunday 8/3: Check-out, travel home

Costs

$699 per person ($719 if paying by credit card) includes bunk at ADK Johns Brook Lodge, breakfast, lunch, and dinners, ADK JBL gratuities, and guide services with a NYS Licensed Guide.

We will hold a pre-trip Zoom session to go over logistics and will host an optional training hike to test your fitness.

Travel and food (trail snacks) are the responsibility of the participants.
Registration deadline is July 1, 2025.

Checks payable to:
Outside Chronicles
3997 Tudor Place
Hamburg, NY 14075

Trip Notes

This trip demands a high level of physical fitness in order to complete it within the available daylight hours. Outside Chronicles reserves the right to deny participation if group safety will be compromised through an individual’s participation.  Outside Chronicles reserves the right to adjust the trip itinerary to match the skills, abilities, and goals of the group.

Prior hiking experience is required. Participants will be screened to make sure they meet a minimum fitness level to make the trip successful and enjoyable.  Participants will be required to join a training hike or submit digital evidence (GPX or other) showing they are able to hike 8-10 miles with a minimum of 1000′ of elevation change.  The fitness goal for the High Peaks is the ability to climb 1000′ in 1 mile. We will provide a list of local training hikes and locations to get you ready.

Hikers can choose to do one or both High Peak hikes.

Good physical condition, proper clothing, proper footwear, and proper equipment are a must.

Event Full?

Get your name on the waitlist by e-mailing [email protected]

Cancellation Policy:

A full refund minus the 3% payment processing fee will be given for a cancellation requests prior to the registration deadline (7/1/2025). Payments are NOT refundable past the registration deadline.

A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to run.