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4,185 ft · Burroughs Range, New York

Slide Mountain

Slide Mountain is a 4,185 ft peak in the Burroughs Range, New York. The standard route is the Phoenicia East Branch and Burroughs Range Trails: 5 mi, 1,780 ft of gain, Class 1.

Plan this climbView Catskill 3500
Slide Mountain in the Burroughs Range, New York

Slide Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation4,185 ft1,275 m
  • RoutePhoenicia East Branch and Burroughs Range TrailsClass 1
  • Distance5 mi1,780 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsEasy effort
  • SeasonYear‑round
  • RangeBurroughs RangeNew York

Climbing the Phoenicia East Branch and Burroughs Range Trails

From Big Indian on NY 28, drive Ulster County Route 47 (Oliverea Road) south about 9 miles to the Slide Mountain parking area. The DEC route follows the yellow Phoenicia East Branch Trail 0.7 mi, then turns east on the red Burroughs Range Trail for 2.0 mi to the summit rock and the Burroughs plaque. It is Class 1, steady and rocky, with ledge views and a wooded top. This is the highest Catskill and one of the four winter-required club peaks, so carry traction and warm layers from December to March. Sign the trail register.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Cold summit conditions
  • Ice near summit
  • Slippery terrain
  • Low visibility

Quests with Slide Mountain

Peaks near Slide Mountain

  1. Cornell Mountain

    Cornell Mountain

    3,859 ft · 1.5 mi away

  2. Wittenberg Mountain

    Wittenberg Mountain

    3,782 ft · 2.1 mi away

  3. Balsam Cap

    Balsam Cap

    3,608 ft · 2.1 mi away

  4. Table Mountain

    Table Mountain

    3,826 ft · 3.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Slide Mountain?

Slide Mountain is 4,185 feet (1,275 m) tall. It is in the Burroughs Range, New York.

Is Slide Mountain the highest of the Catskill 3500?

Yes. At 4,185 feet, Slide Mountain is the tallest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500.

How hard is it to hike Slide Mountain?

The Phoenicia East Branch and Burroughs Range Trails is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 5 miles with 1,780 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Slide Mountain?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Phoenicia East Branch and Burroughs Range Trails, covering 5 miles with 1,780 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Slide Mountain?

Usually, if you are fit. The Phoenicia East Branch and Burroughs Range Trails is a common first summit for hikers ready for 4 – 6 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Slide Mountain?

Slide Mountain is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Slide 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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