Click here to reserve your spot with a $150 deposit.

Hosted at the backcountry Peggy O'Brian Camp, includes summits of two of the Adirondacks High Peaks.

Come join EMS and their professional backwoods guides as they host you at Peggy O’Brian Camp. Peggy O’Brian Camp is located 3.5 miles into the backwoods near John’s Brook Lodge, in the heart of the High Peaks Region, at the base of the Great Range. During this adventure you will be supplied with all of your meals but will be expected to help with the portage of food and the preparation of the meals as needed.

On these hikes we will take on three of the Adirondacks’ highest peaks while taking in the outstanding surrounding views.

Our goals for the first day are to climb Marcy Mountain and Haystack Mountain as a loop and return to camp. The following day will be a shorter, easier climb up Big Slide Mountain. Expect high winds, rough terrain, steep climbs and possible changing weather patterns. A moderate fitness level will be needed to accomplish these goals. If you have questions regarding fitness or training ideas please feel free to contact us (.

Note-these two dates are during season transition. An updated gear list may be supplied to you closer to the date of the trip. Conditions vary in spring and fall. Snow can be a factor at either time in higher elevations. It maybe necessary to be geared up for winter conditions which can include but not be limited too snowshoes, crampons, layering etc…

Itinerary

Day one: (L & D) We will meet at the Lake Placid EMS store at 9:00am. After group introductions we can answer any questions and split up the food for the weekend. Once all set, we can carpool up to The Garden Trailhead. Carpooling will save on parking fees and leave room for other hikers. From the trailhead we will hike into Peggy O’Brian Camp and eat lunch. The remaining part of the day is for relaxing, talking, gathering water, preparing dinner and getting ready for the next days hike.

Day two: (B, L, D) This is our first hiking day. We rise early and have a quick breakfast before an aggressive day of peak-bagging. Food for a bagged lunch will also be supplied. We will start with Mount Marcy (New York’s Highest Peak at 5344’) using the Hopkins Trail. From Mount Marcy we will hike over to Mount Haystack (4960’, New York’s 3rd Highest Peak) using a series of trails. From Haystack we will descend back down via the Phelps Trail. On the descent we may make a short side trip to the base of Bushnell Falls (2675’). This is a great spot to cool off before we arrive back at the cabin. This day loop is roughly 12 miles with a gain and loss in elevation of around 4100’. As a group we will prepare dinner and relax with some much deserved down time.

Day three: (B, L, D) This will be another hiking day. We can get up a little later and enjoy nice breakfast before setting out for a much more leisurely climb up Big Slide Mountain (4240’, Adirondacks 27th Highest Peak) Food for a bagged lunch will also be supplied. We will follow the Slide Mountain Brook Trail to the summit. Once on the summit we will have the option of returning on the same trail or making a loop over Yard Mountain down to the Klondike Notch Trail. This loop is 6 miles with 2300’ of elevation gain and loss.

Day four: (B) Sleep in a little, you deserve it! When you wake a nice breakfast will be waiting for you. After a relaxing morning we will pack up and hike out to our vehicles and part ways. This is a travel home day, so we will be out by early afternoon.

Individual gear List:

• Backpack, to carry gear and portion of food into camp
• Day pack, with waist and sternum straps preferred (optional). Day pack can be used for summit bids
• 3 one liter water bottles or equivalent bladder
• Trekking Poles
• Eye protection, for bushwhack (sunglasses, eye glasses, goggles, shop glasses)
• Snacks, energy bars/gels
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Hat (optional)
• Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-tex or similar), used as a wind breaker as well
• Bathing suit/towel (just in case the mood strikes)
• Fleece jacket, for cooler temperatures
• Headlamp
• 4 pairs of synthetic light hiking socks
• 1 or 2 lightweight teckwick shirts as a base layer
• 1 mid-weight techwick shirt as a mid-layer
• 1 pair of hiking pants (ones that zip into shorts work well)
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
• Hiking boots, with good support and broken in
• Camp shoes (sneakers, sandals, booties)
• Light gloves (optional)
• Sun protection
• Bug repellant
• Sleeping bag, 40 degree
• Camp pillow (optional)
• Ear plugs (recommended)

*Bunks have mattresses, and camp has stove, lighting, plates, cookware, and cups

**Gear List subject to change with conditions

For reservations or questions please call
1-888-755-TREK or e mail us at becky@emstrek.com

Two days of Adirondack peak-bagging with expert guide Spencer Morrissey, author of two area guidebooks

Summit 3 of the Adirondacks’ highest peaks

Two nights lodging at Peggy O’Brian Camp, a rustic bunkhouse set in the backwoods of the Adirondacks

Delicious energy packed meals prepared freshly to power you up the mountain

Discounts on clothing and equipment at EMS retail stores with booking

2008 DATES/COSTS

• May 23rd-26th
  (Saturday-Monday)
• October 10th-13th
  (Friday-Sunday)

COST: $563 per person
While these dates are set up and ready to go, please feel free to set up a tour that fits your needs by calling 888-755-TREK. Prices and availability may differ. For reservations and questions, please call 888-755-TREK.

Click here to reserve your spot with a $150 deposit.

GROUP SIZE: 4-8 people

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided where indicated on the detailed itinerary. All meals are prepared fresh and packed with energy to keep you fueled for the activity ahead.

STYLE OF TRIP: These weekends are designed for active people who are interested in learning more about backcountry hiking in the Adirondacks. Everyone is expected to pitch in carrying group gear and preparing meals. No camping or hiking experience is required.

AGE GROUP: This trip is designed for ages 12+, but we can provide family programs upon request.

FITNESS RATING: Moderate/Strenuous.
Must be comfortable carrying a pack and hiking 6-8 hours up moderately steep terrain.

INCLUDED WITH TRIP:

• Two nights lodging at the Peggy O’ Brian Camp in the Adirondack wilderness
• Meals during trip where indicated (B,L,D)
• Group equipment
• Experienced local guide and author, Spencer Morrissey
• Equipment overview on day 1

NOT INCLUDED:

• Transportation to meeting point or trailhead
• Meals in Lake Placid
• Packing gear (ask about rentals)
• Personal snack items
• Medical or evacuation insurance  

*All group gear will be divided up between participants

**All participants are responsible for their own snacks and individual gear

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For more information, or to book your very own Eastern Mountain Sports adventure, call our travel guru Becky Harrison at
888-755-8735
or e-mail us at becky@emstrek.com.

Call 888-755-8735 / Contact Us