Overview:
Although a bit strenous this loop climb up the MacIntyre Range is one of the most beautiful climbs in all the High Peaks (might be a tie with Rocky Peak & Giant). I suggest that you travel past Marcy Dam to Avalanche Lake and ascend the range in that direction as the trail from Lake Colden up to the ridge is very steep and best climbed rather than descended. You will be amazed at the trail buit around Avalanche Lake and really enjoy the waterfalls tumbling down the base of the climb up to the range which has spectacular views. Once up on the ridge you will be above treeline with unobstructed views all around. On the way down you'll make a side trip to the summit of Wright and also have an option to check out a rocky nubble just below Wright for some last unique views. I know you will really enjoy this loop climb.
Tips:
Heart Lake Adirondack Loj Trailhead:
From Exit 30 take Route 73 towards Lake Placid for 26.5 miles. Take a left onto Adirondack Loj Road and continue 5 miles to the Loj and the parking area. There is a $10 fee to park here for the day.
This is where you will return to after you have climbed all the peaks of the MacIntyre Range. For now just continue on down the trail towards Marcy Dam.
From Marcy Dam look for the trail for Avalanche Lake. It should be well marked. If not you can always ask the ranger at the station for help with directions.
Take your time and enjoy how awesome this area is as you traverse the lake on wooden ladders and bridges bolted to the cliff faces. You can look up the massive trapdike towards the summit of Colden far above with all its slides.
This trail starts right at a bridge over a pretty stream on the blue Lake Colden Trail and heads up the stream. This trail is very beautiful with waterfalls along the way and views back across Avalanche Pass towards Colden. It is also one of the steepest trails in the High Peaks which is why I recommend ascending this loop hike from this direction.
To the left you will first ascend over the small Boundary I and II bumps on the ridge towards Iroquois. Iroquois has no official trail but you are above treeline now and the path should be very obvious. The pictures here show the Boundary Peaks you will have to cross over to get to Iroquois (they are just bumps, really) from a little higher up on Algonquin but they show where you are headed.
Here you are at 4,849 feet and should have spectacular views north towards the massive dome of Algonquin and across Colden Lake to Colden with Marcy beyond. Also, look south and down to check out the knob of rock called the "shepard's tooth". If you want feel free to scramble down the path to go check it out. Further south over the pass is Marshall, but you should save that climb for another day.
At 5,155 feet you are at the 2nd highest point in New York State (only two above 5k) and also at the highest point of the MacIntyre Range. You should have incredible views in all directions, especially over the slide-streaked Colden to the east towards Mt. Marcy, the state high point. If it's nice out spend some time relaxing up here in the clouds! From here descend north towards your final stop, Wright Peak.
At 4,587 you are the top of the northernmost peak of the MacIntyre Range. Look around the summit for a plaque commemorating the lives of people who went down in a plane near the summit. You may even find some wreckage still if you poke around. Again, great views everywhere, especially up towards Algonquin. Head back the way you came and then continue down the trail northward towards the trailhead.
As you descend you'll pass by a face of rock that looks interesting on the left side of the trail. Feel free to scramble up this for some unique views towards the top of Wright and towards Algonquin. Be careful with ice or if the rocks are wet. If not just head on down the trail towards your vehicle.
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