Hiked Allen with my nephew and 4 guys from the high peaks forum. Had lots of fun and lots of laughs on a picture perfect day.

One or two people had hiked the trail earlier in the week and there was a pretty good crust over the snow so we can’t say we broke the trail, but more like wore it in. Anyone attempting this in the next few days will find a very well broke trail.

The views from the top were much better than expected, especially if you go beyond the summit another 100 to 200 yards.

The butt slide on the way down was great. I would guess it took one minute to go down a section that took 30 minutes to go up. One guy was even talking about how much air he got going over a bump!

Of coarse the negative to this hike is all the distance to just reach the base of the mountain. I think someone here (Zappa possibly) posted that it was such a grind that he might never do it again. Well I just went in perfect conditions, with great people, had a great time, and also will say that I don’t plan on coming back. I’m whipped!

Special Equipment: Snowshoes were the only footgear needed, but if our tracks crust over you’ll probably need crampons or at least stabilicers. I carried my new butt sled the entire day. The sections we slid down are so steep I was afraid to use the sled.

how was crossing the opalescent? is it still frozen over?

Hey John- Congrats on Allen - That is a good one to get in the winter. I hope you saved some energy to climb Dix and Hough with us next week. Like Steph, I was also wondering how the streams are holding up and also how long did your round trip take?

Steph, the Opalescent crossing was solid ice all the way across, no problem. Based on the warm temps forecast, I would think that could change in the near future.

Ed, Round trip time was 14 hours......a group moves at the speed of the slowest hiker. I was running on empty when we got back to the parking lot, but don't worry, I'll be refueled by next weekend. Looks like my nephew will be going also.

Yes John that was me that said never again. But as time goes by and my memory goes with it you forget the "grind". My 16 yr old(Zane) is at 30 peaks with 5 slated for this weekend (4 he needs), so Allen will be on the list again this year. Will catch it when the river is high and cold, that will bring back some memories. Nice trail report John, +karma!

The first time I climbed Allen in July 08 I swore I would never go back. One of my buddies asked me to snowshoe it with him in March 09 and like a fool I agreed to go with him. When we got back to the car I said that's it, I'm never coming back here. When my girlfriend asked me to climb it again this winter I suggested we ski into the quarry and switch to snowshoes from that point, which is excactly what we did. Having been up this mountain 3 times now, I can say with some confidence that if I ever go back I want to do it as an overnight trip so I can enjoy some of the better parts of this long hike. It is the best butt-sliding mountain in the Adirondacks though!

Congradulations on getting a tough peak done.

G