The Dix Range in a day
I know this is doable from what I've read in past threads. But since I'm looking at possibly taking it on in the next couple of weeks, I was looking for some more specific feedback. Any tips or suggestions are welcomed, such as how long it might take, the total mileage (misplaced my HP map), and preferred routes. I have had a relatively busy hiking season, with trips to Colvin and Blake, Gothics through LWJ, and Colden. I think I'm ready to take this on. Let me know if I may be wrong. Thanks! -GG
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I did them 3 weeks ago or so, a pretty solid 11 hour trip, without spending more than 20-25 min on each peak (except for Hough, I spent about 45-60 min there).
I went in via Elk Lake, and Slide Brook. Did them in the order of Macomb/South Dix(Carson), East Dix(Grace), South Dix again, Hough and Dix. In order to get them all, your going to have to climb South Dix twice.
I carried 3 standard 32 oz water bottles, and two 32 oz Gatorades. (There isn't any water on the ridge from what I saw. I pretty much drank all of it by the time I was finished.
The hardest part of the tip for me was getting from South Dix to Hough and then Hough to Dix - very steep.
I just ran the Santanoni Range two days ago - have you done that? I would rank the Dix Range slightly harder.
I have pictures, GPS track and rough elevation profile at:
On a side note - easily one of my all time favorite hikes I have ever done. Spectacular Views on all 5 peaks. Dix itself is flat out amazing. -
Originally posted by elhefe007a
I also hiked the range in the same manner last summer. I remember hiking up Hough from S. Dix to be particularly tiring, and then from Hough to Dix even more grueling...although the rewarding views were amazing!!
I can also attest to the importance of bringing substantial gatorade and water on this trip. There is no water to be found until hiking down Lilian Brooke at the very end of the day. Also, I remember our small group took many snack breaks to keep our energy level high! I can remember being so thirsty I wanted to suck the moss!!
Enjoy your hike! This is one range I'll definitely want to re-visit in the future!Comment
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Dix Trip Data
I did the counterclockwise loop last month, starting at Slide Brook. The distance by my GPS track is 11.0 miles (plus easy 2.3 miles each way to the parking area) and the total ascent/descent is about 5000 ft from my altimeter log. Coming down Dix via Hunters pass, there is a small spring in the trail about 1/4 mile after crossing the pass. That is the first water I saw after Macomb. There are some multiple paths, especially around Hough. It's a full day; start early to get up the slide before the sun is on it.Comment
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Dixes
Macomb's slide, unlike some others, is easy to descend so you could also consider doing the loop in a clockwise direction. That way you'd get the long hike in on trail to Dix Pond Intersection out of the way early, have constant views w/o turning around while descending slide, & a shorter walk out from it's base. I last did loop this way on 7-14-05 in 8:30 not inc summit breaks.
Ascending East Dix slide w/ exit via Round Pond trail is another great loop but any way you do it you're gonna enjoy the loop. As stated, bring lotsa water.Comment
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Hey Glen L. I don't know who you are but I am from Canton!! Lived there 20+ years. Greetings!
~SaraComment
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Bring your map and compass for when you start running into intersections that are unmarked.What it is is in your head !Comment
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Hey Glen, I dont know if I was in the wrong area when we did the Dix range, but I (and the rest of my group, we talked about it) would not want to come down the Macomb slide... There was lots of loose rocks and debris, not to mention if the trip takes longer than you expected, coming down that sucker in the dark would be no fun. Views, yes. Fun, no. We did this loop in May (with ice on the slide in some spots) and really appreciate the folks here steering us to do it Counter Clockwise. Definitely doable in a day. Bring lots of water and "snacks". Nothing out there and no easy bail out if you bonk. Map and compass... DEFINITELY. Most of the herd paths were too overcrowded to use GPS on.
Have a great trip!!"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
-Benjamin Franklin
DComment
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Thanks everyone. I think we're leaning toward clockwise, for a number of illogical reasons. Now my question is this--ascend via Beckhorn or Hunter's Pass?Comment
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Originally posted by Gray Ghost
The Beckhorn Trail is far easier than Hunter's Pass and also shorter by close to a mile.Last edited by Skyclimber; 08-25-2006, 10:09 PM."It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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It's really far easier? I hadn't heard that before....i'd love to hear your thoughts on this...i'll take a look at my trail guideComment
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I felt the elevation gain wasn't as great as from the Hunter's Pass side and it surely is shorter. I felt it to be more mellow of a trail. Once I did the Dix/Hough trip, up Hunter's Pass down Lillian Brook, taking 11 hrs. Then another time doing Dix/Hough up Beckhorn Trail down Lillian Brook, taking 10 hrs.! That's a savings of an a hour. So it is shorter and I felt it was much easier. I believe that it is 200' feet less elevation from the Beckhorn trail!Originally posted by Gray Ghost"It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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Thanks a lot skyclimber. I will keep your comments in mind tomorrow.
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