Blake, Colvin, Nippletop and Dial

[schnervel]

This August I would like to get Blake, Nippletop and Dial (I climbed Colvin years ago) - what's the best way to get them? All in one starting at Elk Lake going over Colvin and finishing at the Ausable Club or doing them in two trips getting Blake from Elk Lake and the others in a loop from the Ausable Club? Obviously getting them all in one hike would be a very long day, but does anyone know the mileage/ever done the entire trange in one day?

Thanks!

[Neil]

People often do them in one very long and strenuous day from The AMR golf club. However, doing them as 2 separate trips gives you more time to enjoy the terrific views from Dial, N-top and Colvin.

When you do Blake it is very worthwhile to continue for about 10-15 minutes past Blake's summit along the Pinnacle Ridge trail. There will be a sign pointing to a Lookout Rock on your right. Check it out. You will not be disappointed.

[AdkWalrus]

Worth noting that starting and finishing at Elk Lake would allow you to bring a dog, whereas approaching from the AMR side would not. If dogs are not an issue for you, coming from the Ausable Club for all four (including Blake) makes the most sense, regardless of whether you do this as one hike or two. I can say that doing just Nippetop and Dial as a dayhike is plenty, but you could definitely grab all four in one day if you are prepared to start early and finish late.

I'm with Neil, though -- better to enjoy the views and split this into two hikes -- and definitely don't miss Lookout Rock. Of course, Neil has a completely different idea of the best way to approach Blake.

[Kevin]

Having done the 4 (well, 3.5 since I only made it to the first/flase summit of Dial) in a day, then groups of 2 on separate trips since, I will say I enjoyed all 3 trips but prefer doing them in groups of 2. Neil is right about taking your time and soaking things in. All 4 in a day didn't allow for much summit time. Colvin and Nippletop have good views and are worth extended visits.

[schnervel]

Thanks for the advice, I'll see what my climbing partner wants to do.

We do not have a dog, so that's not an issue.

Am I correct that in the AMR land one must only hike on established paths? Seems to me that one could cut off some time on this hike by bushwhacking through that little backtrack between Colvin and Nippletop...

[Kevin]

Am I correct that in the AMR land one must only hike on established paths? Seems to me that one could cut off some time on this hike by bushwhacking through that little backtrack between Colvin and Nippletop...

That's state land. Around the junction for Indian Head on the trail that takes you along Gill Brook you cross into state land.

I wouldn't recommend this unless you're really good at route finding. You'll likely add time struggling through thick spruce and climbing blowdown. I haven't done a lot of bushwhacking, but every time I have at best I was hiking at half my normal pace. But it can be fun and truly an adventure.

[Neil]

Definitely faster on the trail from Nip to Colvin.

However, if you're an adventurous laddie (or lassie) then you could always go down the Nippletop Slide (best done under dry conditions - as in no rain for 2 or 3 days prior to or during the hike) then turn left and follow the drainage until below the Blake Slide and bushwhack up the slope to the slide. The top of which brings you to within 5 easy bushwhack minutes from the Pinnacle Ridge Trail. Note that is is not a beginner hike by any stretch of the imagination and that you would want to research it thoroughly before going. It would be a very long and extremely challenging hike physically, mentally and navigation-wise but the rewards would be of the same level.

Here's a recent pic of the Blake slide from Dix.

[Tyler]

For what its worth, I did the Nippletop-Dial-Colvin-Blake loop from St. Hubert's on May 13th this year, I started at 8:30 am and returned to my car at 6:45 pm.

The hike is roughly 18 miles from the St. Hubert's parking lot. I had a fantastic time, and the views were amazing that day, not a cloud on any horizon. I consider myself to be a fast hiker, but I spent at least 20 minutes on each of the summits.

If you think you've got the stamina to do all 4, go for it. But I can definitely see how separating it into 2 trips would be just as rewarding! Have fun!

[Pete_Hickey]

If you do Sawteeth first, then descend to the Carry Trail, you won't have to repeat Colvin. It will add a little more ascent, though.