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4,827 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Basin Mountain

Basin Mountain is a 4,827 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail: 17 mi, 5,065 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Basin Mountain in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Basin Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation4,827 ft1,471 m
  • RouteHaystack, Basin, Saddleback TrailClass 2
  • Distance17 mi5,065 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail

From The Garden in Keene Valley, New York (reservation and fee), follow the State Range Trail over Shorey Short Cut toward Basin. The route has steep rock steps and slab scrambling, including exposed moves near the summit. The open top is windy with fast-moving weather, and wet rock is slick and demands care. Basin is commonly linked with Saddleback and Haystack in a long, committing day. Carry ample food and water, start early, and be ready for rugged, slow terrain.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Headlamp
  • Power Bank
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Steep exposure
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit
  • Loose rock
  • Low visibility
  • Slippery terrain

Quests with Basin Mountain

Peaks near Basin Mountain

  1. Saddleback Mountain

    Saddleback Mountain

    4,515 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Mount Haystack

    Mount Haystack

    4,960 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. Gothics

    Gothics

    4,736 ft · 1.5 mi away

  4. Sawteeth

    Sawteeth

    4,100 ft · 1.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Basin Mountain?

Basin Mountain is 4,827 feet (1,471 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Basin Mountain rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 4,827 feet, Basin Mountain is the 9th highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to hike Basin Mountain?

The Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 17 miles with 5,065 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Basin Mountain?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail, covering 17 miles with 5,065 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Basin Mountain?

The Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 17 miles with 5,065 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Basin Mountain?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Basin Mountain?

The Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail starts at about 1,520 feet, roughly 3,307 feet below the summit.

Climb Basin Mountain with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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