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- Gray Peak
4,840 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York
Gray Peak
Gray Peak is a 4,840 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Skylight, Marcy and Gray Peak Loop Trail: 18 mi, 5,022 ft of gain, Class 2.
Gray Peak at a glance
- Elevation4,840 ft1,475 m
- RouteSkylight, Marcy and Gray Peak Loop TrailClass 2
- Distance18 mi5,022 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York
Climbing the Skylight, Marcy and Gray Peak Loop Trail
From the Adirondak Loj or Upper Works, Gray is a trailless spur reached from Lake Tear of the Clouds on a steep, rough herd path. It is usually climbed together with Marcy and Skylight deep in the interior. Expect mud, roots, and a scrambly, eroded climber's path to a wooded summit with limited views. The area is remote with fast-changing weather. This is a very long day of 16-plus miles, so start before dawn, carry ample water and food, and bring a headlamp.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Offline Maps- Compass
- Paper Map
GPS Device
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
- Stream crossing
- Low visibility
- Remote location
- Slippery terrain
- Insects
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
Gray Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 7 climbs of Gray Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Gray Peak
Adirondack 46ersPeaks near Gray Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Gray Peak?
Gray Peak is 4,840 feet (1,475 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.
How does Gray Peak rank among the Adirondack 46ers?
At 4,840 feet, Gray Peak is the 7th highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.
How hard is it to hike Gray Peak?
The Skylight, Marcy and Gray Peak Loop Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 18 miles with 5,022 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Gray Peak?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Skylight, Marcy and Gray Peak Loop Trail, covering 18 miles with 5,022 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Gray Peak?
The Skylight, Marcy and Gray Peak Loop Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 18 miles with 5,022 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 Gray Peak?
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 Gray Peak?
The Skylight, Marcy and Gray Peak Loop Trail starts at about 2,190 feet, roughly 2,650 feet below the summit.
Climb Gray Peak 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