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4,515 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Saddleback Mountain

Saddleback Mountain is a 4,515 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Via the Orebed Brook Trail: 13 mi, 3,159 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Saddleback Mountain in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Saddleback Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation4,515 ft1,376 m
  • RouteVia the Orebed Brook TrailClass 2
  • Distance13 mi3,159 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Via the Orebed Brook Trail

From The Garden in Keene Valley, New York (reservation and fee), Saddleback is reached on the State Range Trail, best known for a steep rock cliff on its eastern side that requires hands-on scrambling. The exposed moves are serious when wet or icy, so choose dry conditions. The open summit is windy with quick weather. It is commonly linked with Basin and Gothics. Carry food and water, start early, and be prepared for slow, committing terrain on the cliff.

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

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

Quests with Saddleback Mountain

Peaks near Saddleback Mountain

  1. Basin Mountain

    Basin Mountain

    4,827 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Gothics

    Gothics

    4,736 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. Armstrong Mountain

    Armstrong Mountain

    4,400 ft · 1.4 mi away

  4. Sawteeth

    Sawteeth

    4,100 ft · 1.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Saddleback Mountain?

Saddleback Mountain is 4,515 feet (1,376 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Saddleback Mountain rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 4,515 feet, Saddleback Mountain is the 17th highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to hike Saddleback Mountain?

The Via the Orebed Brook Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 3,159 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Saddleback Mountain?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Via the Orebed Brook Trail, covering 13 miles with 3,159 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Saddleback Mountain?

The Via the Orebed Brook Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 3,159 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 Saddleback 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 Saddleback Mountain?

The Via the Orebed Brook Trail starts at about 1,520 feet, roughly 2,995 feet below the summit.

Climb Saddleback 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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