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4,240 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Esther Mountain

Esther Mountain is a 4,240 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Whiteface and Esther: 9 mi, 3,659 ft of gain, Class 1.

Esther Mountain in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Esther Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation4,240 ft1,292 m
  • RouteWhiteface and EstherClass 1
  • Distance9 mi3,659 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Whiteface and Esther

From Wilmington, New York, Esther is usually climbed from the Marble Mountain trailhead and a herd path along the ridge toward Whiteface. The trailless section is muddy and rooty with modest scrambling. It is often combined with Whiteface via the connecting ridge, and the summit has partial views and a memorial plaque. Exposed sections catch wind and quick weather. Not technical, but navigation helps on the herd path. Carry water and layers and start early for the round trip.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (20–30 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • 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

  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects
  • Low visibility

Esther Mountain on Yak

Climbers have shared 17 climbs of Esther Mountain on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

Quests with Esther Mountain

Peaks near Esther Mountain

  1. Whiteface Mountain

    Whiteface Mountain

    4,867 ft · 1.6 mi away

  2. Cascade Mountain

    Cascade Mountain

    4,098 ft · 11.7 mi away

  3. Porter Mountain

    Porter Mountain

    4,059 ft · 12.2 mi away

  4. Big Slide Mountain

    Big Slide Mountain

    4,240 ft · 14.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Esther Mountain?

Esther Mountain is 4,240 feet (1,292 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Esther Mountain rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 4,240 feet, Esther Mountain is the 27th highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to hike Esther Mountain?

The Whiteface and Esther is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 3,659 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Esther Mountain?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Whiteface and Esther, covering 9 miles with 3,659 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Esther Mountain?

The Whiteface and Esther needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 3,659 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 Esther 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 Esther Mountain?

The Whiteface and Esther starts at about 1,970 feet, roughly 2,270 feet below the summit.

Climb Esther 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