[at-l] Wildcats Return to Adirondacks

[jbullar1 at twcny.rr.com (Jim Bullard)]

At 09:51 AM 2/25/2004 -0500, Mark Hudson wrote:

><<http://www.adirondack-park.net/history/geological.html>>
>
>Great article!
>
>For those into an iteresting off-trail workout the Colden Trap Dike is a
>great climb. I'd recommend going later in the summer season, preferably
>after a dry spell (or as dry as it gets in the Daks <g>). NOT recommended
>for anyone with a fear of heights... the view back (DOWN) to Avalanche Lake
>is spectacular, but the fact that the view seems to be mostly below your
>feet can be a little unnerving. I won't even mention the "crux move" on the
>climb...
>
>skeeter

I have climbed Colden several times including 3 different slide routes on 
the other side from the Trap Dike. I have not done the Dike route, nor am I 
ever likely too. As Skeeter observes, it is not a route for those with fear 
of heights and when it comes to inclines as steep as the Dike, I have a 
fear of heights. That side of Colden is very steep and the once the route 
leaves the Dike it goes up open rock face the rest of the way to the 
summit. When standing on that side of the summit you have an unobstructed 
view straight down to the lake, no trees, no brush, just steep open rock 
with shear cliff at the bottom.