Peaked Mountain Trip Report
My first time in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness did not disappoint!
August 1st, 2020
I got an alpine start on this one, arriving to the Thirteenth Lake trailhead around 10 or 11AM. The lot was pretty busy, with some cars along the road but I quickly realized that almost everyone was camping or hanging out around Thirteenth Lake. The lake is maybe 500 feet from the parking lot and very popular. However, once I hiked just a bit past it, I quickly found solitude.
The trail was pretty moderate.
There was a campsite just over half of a mile from the summit, which could be a cool sunset or sunrise option. Most of the hike is pretty chill but the last climb is a bit steep and tiring, especially on a hot day like today.
The trail up the mountain is fairly new. It used to be a popular bushwhack but the herd paths were causing too much erosion so the state built an official trail!
There were some fun scrambles near the top.
I tried to take some self-timer photos, but I wasn't very good at it...
I trail ran most of the way out and stopped at a pull off for the Hudson River on my drive home for a post-hike swim!
I really like the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area! It's very beautiful and much less popular than some more crowded areas of the park, like the High Peaks.
Mileage: 7.38 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,394 feet
Map:
