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- Phelps Mountain
4,161 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York
Phelps Mountain
Phelps Mountain is a 4,161 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Phelps Mountain Trail: 8 mi, 2,253 ft of gain, Class 1.
Phelps Mountain at a glance
- Elevation4,161 ft1,268 m
- RoutePhelps Mountain TrailClass 1
- Distance8 mi2,253 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York
Climbing the Phelps Mountain Trail
From the Adirondak Loj near Lake Placid, Phelps branches off the popular Van Hoevenberg Trail toward Marcy, making it one of the more accessible High Peaks. The spur is rocky and rooty with a short steep finish to partial views of Marcy and Colden. Exposed spots catch wind and quick weather, and trails are muddy in places and can be crowded. Often combined with Tabletop or done as a shorter day. Start early, carry water, and expect busy trails near the Loj.
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
- High winds
- Storms
- Cold summit conditions
- Rapid weather shifts
- Slippery terrain
- Insects
- Low visibility
Phelps Mountain on Yak
Climbers have shared 18 climbs of Phelps Mountain on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Phelps Mountain
Adirondack 46ersPeaks near Phelps Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Phelps Mountain?
Phelps Mountain is 4,161 feet (1,268 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.
How does Phelps Mountain rank among the Adirondack 46ers?
At 4,161 feet, Phelps Mountain is the 32nd highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.
How hard is it to hike Phelps Mountain?
The Phelps Mountain Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 2,253 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Phelps Mountain?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Phelps Mountain Trail, covering 8 miles with 2,253 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Phelps Mountain?
The Phelps Mountain Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 2,253 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 Phelps 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 Phelps Mountain?
The Phelps Mountain Trail starts at about 2,190 feet, roughly 1,971 feet below the summit.
Climb Phelps 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