High Peaks mid-May

[Dave44A]

I'm planning a backpacking trip into the High Peaks region f0rMay18-20. We are going to use the Upper Works trailhead. We plan to camp at Lake Colden and get there from Indian Pass and over Cold Brook Pass. We may camp at Scott's Clearing the first day and cross Cold Brook the next day, depending on how tired we are. The second day we would like to go up Algonquin, Iroquois, and Wright. The third day hike out via the Calamity Trail back to Upper works. The only time of year I have been in the High Peaks is early fall. What should I expect in mid-May? I feel the answer is expect the unexpected. But what I would like to know is:
1. How much snow may we be dealing with on the summits, or on the trails?
2. Will the mud make the trails I plan on using impassable?

Thanks, and if there is anything else I need to know I would appreciate it.

[Dick]

Hi Dave,

I'd say "welcome to the forum," but I see you've been here for some time. Welcome anyway! At that time of year, you MAY escape bugs, but be prepared for them. Definitely expect mud; "impassible" is a relative term! In this topsy-turvy weather year, it would be foolish to tell you how much or what type snow to expect, if any ("the unexpected" is the best answer!), but you might well have some.

I don't know if these past posts (or posters) will help or not:

http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=1208

http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=2252

http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=2563

Dick

[Dave44A]

Thanks, Dick. Yeah, I've been here for awhile soaking up all the wisdom that this forum has to offer. The past posts helped. I planned on the bugs; it's the snow I am concerned about.

[adkdremn]

I can tell you I did this trip in, with the exception of Upper Works, a few summers ago. It was July and down in the lower reaches of Indian Pass there was still some snow! Not a lot but it was there, with all the snow they've been receiving I would imagine that there will still be some snow in Indian Pass. I too camped at Scott's Clearing, it's a beautiful spot! As for Cold Brook Pass......it's rugged! You'll probablly run into snow in the upper reaches of the pass. I too hoped to do Alqonquin after setting up camp near Lake Colden. I was so tired from Cold Brook Pass, and exploring Scott's and Wallface Ponds the previous day that I only made it up half way before turning around and returning to camp. There was also a heat wave the weekend I did it, so that didn't help matters either.
Maybe you already have, but you may want to check into starting at the Loj and looping from there or spotting a car and going point to point.

[Pete_Hickey]

Cold Brook Pas may be interesting at that time. Not enough snow to hold your weight, but enough to hide the mud and bog bridges.... and doing it with full packs? Study up on your cussing, cause you're going to need every word you can think of.