Haystack (Panther Gorge) Marcy

Date of Hike: February 20th, 2010

Route followed : started from The Garden; followed Phelps trail (#1), State Range trail (#9) and Range trail (#10) to summit of Haystack; descent to Panther Gorge via Bartlett Ridge trail (#58); then used Elk Lake-Marcy trail (#118) to ascend Marcy and then Phelps trail (#1) all the way to return to The Garden. Total distance: 21.6 mi (34,8 km). Total ascent: around 5535 pi (1687 m). Total duration: 10 hours (hiked fast).

Trail Conditions:
- Phelps trail to JBL: hard packed snow (barebootable);
- Phelps trail from JBL to junction with State Range trail: medium packed snow (please use snowshoes);
- State Range trail: medium packed snow with an icy steep passage (good snowshoes will do the job);
- Range trail and part of Bartlett Ridge trail over treeline: crusted snow, ice and frosted rocks (used crampons);
- Bartlett Ridge trail under treeline to Panther Gorge: trail broke through 6-24in of powder (snowshoe country);
- Elk Lake-Marcy trail from Panther Gorge to 4-corners: light packed snow (snowshoes);
- 4-Corners to Marcy and then to junction with Van-Hoevenberg (#61) trail: well packed snow under treeline, then crusted snow, ice and frosted rocks (snowshoes did great);
- Phelps trail from treeline to junction with state Range trail: 6in of powder (followed trail broken by two guys using crampons on ascent-error).

Special Equipment Required: Snowshoes - essential, Crampons, hiking poles - useful, usual winter gear.

Comments: had great time during this marathon. White world over Marcy (had some feeling of whiteout).

Posted by: High-Clearance (hiked solo yesterday).

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