Dix Distance question

[rdl]

Anyone have a reasonably accurate measurement of the distance from the Elk Lake parking area --> McComb --> S. Dix --> Hough --> Dix and then back to Elk Lake ?

I'm taking some relative newbies there next weekend and want to prepare them with what to expect. I've never been much of a numbers person myself but some people like to know how much they'll be hiking.

Thanks in advance...

[Skyclimber]

Anyone have a reasonably accurate measurement of the distance from the Elk Lake parking area --> McComb --> S. Dix --> Hough --> Dix and then back to Elk Lake ?

I'm taking some relative newbies there next weekend and want to prepare them with what to expect. I've never been much of a numbers person myself but some people like to know how much they'll be hiking.

Thanks in advance...

Roughly 14-15 miles. It also depends how you plan to descend, which is either Hunter's Pass OR the Beckhorn Trail? The Beckhorn Trail is about a mile shorter than from Hunter's Pass.

[Skinney]

When we hiked this last year it was 15. something miles hiking all 5 peaks returning via the Beckhorn per RC's GPS.

[Tuchov]

Might as well add an extra 2 miles (round trip) and do East Dix too. That way you can do the whole Dix range. And good luck getting up Dix from that direction. I've only gone down, and it seemed impossible to climb up that, especially after going up any previous peaks.

[Skyclimber]

Anyone have a reasonably accurate measurement of the distance from the Elk Lake parking area --> McComb --> S. Dix --> Hough --> Dix and then back to Elk Lake ?

I'm taking some relative newbies there next weekend and want to prepare them with what to expect. I've never been much of a numbers person myself but some people like to know how much they'll be hiking.

Thanks in advance...

Might as well add an extra 2 miles (round trip) and do East Dix too. That way you can do the whole Dix range. And good luck getting up Dix from that direction. I've only gone down, and it seemed impossible to climb up that, especially after going up any previous peaks.

Actually have you thought of doing this in the reverse direction, starting from Dix and working your way over to Macomb? The last 800 feet from Hough to climb up Dix, is one tough climb to get up to the Beckhorn! It is very steep and easier to descend in my opinion than to climb up it. Also there is the Lillian Brook Bailout route in the Col between Macomb and Carson (S.Dix). This could actually avoid the steep Macomb Slide descend at the end of a long day.

[rdl]

Actually have you thought of doing this in the reverse direction, starting from Dix and working your way over to Macomb?

I haven't really considered doing the route this way, I think it will depend on the weather what we do first. If it's a clear morning we may head to Dix first, otherwise we'll probably head to McComb first.

Might as well add an extra 2 miles (round trip) and do East Dix too

I'll be happy with getting 4 of the Dixes and I think we'll be pushing daylight as it is. I'll be with one person who has never hiked in the High Peaks and I have no idea what his mindset will be. One other person I'll be with is not a fan of early starts either.

[PA Ridgerunner]

Isn't this area off limits during big game season? When does that start?

[rdl]

Big Game season usually is mid October, and yes -- that area does close during Big Game season.