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4,960 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Mount Haystack

Mount Haystack is a 4,960 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Mount Haystack Trail: 16 mi, 3,854 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Mount Haystack in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Mount Haystack at a glance

  • Elevation4,960 ft1,511 m
  • RouteMount Haystack TrailClass 3
  • Distance16 mi3,854 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Mount Haystack Trail

From Keene Valley, New York, park at The Garden (reservation and fee) or use the Adirondak Loj. Haystack is remote, usually reached via the State Range Trail past Little Haystack. Expect long mileage and rugged terrain with steep rock scrambling near the top. The exposed summit ridge catches high wind and weather rolls in quickly, and slabs are slippery when wet. Many climbers link it with Basin and Saddleback for a very long day. Carry ample water and food and start before dawn with a headlamp.

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

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

Mount Haystack on Yak

Climbers have shared 5 climbs of Mount Haystack on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

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Quests with Mount Haystack

Peaks near Mount Haystack

  1. Mount Marcy

    Mount Marcy

    5,344 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Basin Mountain

    Basin Mountain

    4,827 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. Mount Skylight

    Mount Skylight

    4,926 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. Gray Peak

    Gray Peak

    4,840 ft · 1.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Haystack?

Mount Haystack is 4,960 feet (1,511 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Mount Haystack rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 4,960 feet, Mount Haystack is the 3rd highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to climb Mount Haystack?

The Mount Haystack Trail is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 3,854 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Mount Haystack?

Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Mount Haystack Trail, covering 16 miles with 3,854 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Mount Haystack dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

When is the best time to climb Mount Haystack?

The usual climbing 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 Mount Haystack?

The Mount Haystack Trail starts at about 1,520 feet, roughly 3,440 feet below the summit.

Climb Mount Haystack 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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