Hey everyone,

Planning to hike Phelps on Saturday morning. Was wondering what people expect the parking situation to be like this Saturday. I know it is still decent foliage time but the weather is going to be chilly. Any thoughts on when to arrive, or your experiences, would be really helpful.

Also, any general tips for hiking Phelps are appreciated. I have only hiked a couple of other high peaks (Cascade and Porter via Blueberry). Thanks, everyone!

edit: thanks for the advice so far! I appreciate it, especially when it comes to colder, wintery conditions. Also, I apologize if my post sounds redundant and is bogging down the sub! Honestly, I couldn't find much information on parking conditions following the long weekend (late Oct). I only ask because I am driving from 2 hours away and have dogs I need to drop at daycare and need to know if I will be able to park in the main lot or not lol. If anyone has any good resources or subs about later fall parking, I would appreciate it, too :)

Should I carry bear spray with me when hiking in the high peaks at night?

Hey guys! My friends and I are planning to hike the Indian head and rainbow falls this Saturday, but it’s supposed to rain all day beforehand and temperatures will be in the 30s.

For those who have hiked this trail before or have experience hiking in these conditions, would you recommend going or playing it safe and postponing? I’m mainly concerned about trail conditions, mud, slippery rocks and whether the weather could make it unsafe.

Would love to hear your advice and experiences! Thanks!

I was driving through E-town this afternoon and saw a ton of cop cars (both state troopers and sheriff deputies) with their lights on and part of the county government building taped off. Just wondering if anyone knows what the hell was going on?

Just curious about how the community is viewing Saturday and Sunday for hiking and camping in the High Peaks.

I’ve had this weekend circled for a while…I feel confident in my gear/planning/abilities but want to make sure I’m not forcing it just because I had this weekend circled on the calendar.

Saturday below tree line might actually be pleasant in that a lot of trail mud will probably be firmed up. Above tree line, the wind and temps look pretty gnarly for October, but manageable.

Debating if I should pull back to just a day hike (Colvin + Blake) on Saturday, or if I can proceed with the original plan to camp at Elk Pass and continue to Nippletop and Dial (and then out) on Sunday.

Anyone have intel on how exposed this campsite is?

I have camped in ~32 degree weather but low 20s is new to me, so want to double check my assumptions. I have a proper down mummy bag and 5R pad. Sawyer water filter goes inside the sleeping bag pressed against body. Find a relatively sheltered tent site that is clear of potential falling branch/tree hazards. Bring redundant layers and socks, multiple head lamps, etc.

Anything I’m missing? Am I being an idiot? Wanted to check with the more experienced folks in this sub prior to proceeding. I have plenty of summer/fall backpacking experience but this is borderline winter camping 🥶

Thanks!

Still not peak autumn bit nice colors

Anyone else wondering why Lake George always seems to change color so late?

Drove in on Sunday and took it easy.

-Monday we hit Ampersand

-Tuesday was Split Rock Falls and then Cascade Falls. Hiked a good portion of the way up and found a nice little cliff to sit on.. clouds were getting dark so we decided to make the sketchy climb back down and it started pouring the second we sat in the car. Always better to play safe.

-Wednesday we took our time and had a late start but hit up Noonmark. We got like 90% of the way up when the wet clouds rolled in and we decided to head back.. did most of the climb down with the head lamp in complete dark with rain lol..

-Thursday the weather blessed us!!! We had a PERFECT day and hiked the Indian Head loop. Went over to Fish Hawk Cliffs / Indian Head / Rainbow Falls / Beaver Meadow Falls. Today is our one year anniversary and it was one hell of a way to end our little vacation