Click here to reserve your spot with a $150 deposit.

Hosted at the backcountry Peggy O'Brian Camp, includes summits of Basin and Saddleback Peaks.

Come join EMS and their professional backwoods guides as they host you at Peggy O’Brian Camp. Peggy O’Brian Camp is located 3.5 miles into the backwoods near John’s Brook Lodge in the heart of the High Peaks Region, at the base of the Great Range. During this adventure you will be supplied with all your meals, but will be expected to help with the portage of food and the preparation of meals as needed.

On this trip we will climb Basin Mountain and Saddleback Mountain as a loop and return to camp. As we make our way up two of the Adirondacks’ highest peaks, you will take in outstanding views and get a taste of the natural history of the area. We will encounter some rough and steep terrain and may be exposed to high winds and changing weather patters. This is all part of the backcountry experience we are looking for!

The day loop is roughly 7.5-8 miles long with a gain and loss in elevation of around 3000’. A moderate fitness level will be needed to accomplish this goal. If you have questions regarding fitness or training ideas please feel free to contact us (888-755-8735).

Note-these dates are during a very warm month. Please be aware of high temperatures and the possibility of an afternoon thunderstorm are also factors. Prepare appropriately for your needs.

 

Itinerary

Day one:(L & D) We will meet at the EMS retail store in Lake Placid at 9:00am. There we will answer any questions about the day, pick up any last minute gear, and split up the food for the weekend. Once all set we can carpool to The Garden Trailhead. Carpooling will save on parking fees and leave room for other hikers. From the Garden we will hike into Peggy O’Brian Camp and prepare lunch. The remaining part of the day is for relaxing, talking, gathering water, preparing dinner and getting ready for the next days hike.

Day two: (B, L, D) This is our hiking day. We rise early for an aggressive day of peak-bagging. A quick breakfast will be available before the hike, and food for a bagged lunch will also be supplied. The objective for the day is Saddleback Mountain (4515’, Adirondacks 17th Highest Peak) and Basin Mountain (4827’, Adirondacks 9th Highest Peak).

We will approach Basin via the Phelps Trail and Basin Brook. Basin Brook is a remote bushwhack route to a slide that accesses the north summit (4595’) of Basin. Bushwhacking conditions vary from an open streambed to thick spruce. Following the Range Trail we will summit Saddleback using the famous south side approach over the cliffs. From the summit of Saddleback we will descend using the Range Trail to the Orebed Trail and back to the cabin to complete the loop. A moderate amount of fitness will be needed for this aggressive climb. For questions about fitness or a training program please contact us at 888-755-TREK.

Day three: (B) Sleep in a little, you deserve it! When you wake a nice breakfast will be waiting for you. After a relaxing morning we will pack up and hike out to our vehicles and part ways. This is a travel home day, so we will be out by early afternoon.

Gear List

• Backpack, to carry gear and portion of food into camp
• Day pack, with waist and sternum straps preferred (optional). Day pack can be used for summit bids
• 3 one liter water bottles or equivalent bladder
• Trekking Poles
• Eye protection, for bushwhack (sunglasses, eye glasses, goggles, shop glasses)
• Snacks, energy bars/gels
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Hat (optional)
• Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-tex or similar), used as a wind breaker as well
• Bathing suit/towel (just in case the mood strikes)
• Fleece jacket, for cooler temperatures
• Headlamp
• 4 pairs of synthetic light hiking socks
• 1 or 2 lightweight teckwick shirts as a base layer
• 1 mid-weight techwick shirt as a mid-layer
• 1 pair of hiking pants (ones that zip into shorts work well)
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
• Hiking boots, with good support and broken in
• Camp shoes (sneakers, sandals, booties)
• Light gloves (optional)
• Sun protection
• Bug repellant
• Sleeping bag, 40 degree
• Camp pillow (optional)
• Ear plugs (recommended)

*Bunks have mattresses, and camp has stove, lighting, plates, cookware, and cups

**Gear List subject to change with conditions

 

For reservations or questions please call
1-888-755-TREK or e mail us at becky@emstrek.com

Two days of Adirondack peak-bagging with expert guide Spencer Morrissey, author of two area guidebooks

Summit Basin Mountain (4827’) and Saddleback Mountain (4515’), 2 of the Adirondack high peaks

Two nights lodging at Peggy O’Brian Camp, a rustic bunkhouse in the backwoods of the Adirondacks

Delicious energy packed meals prepared freshly to power you up the mountain.

Discounts on clothing and equipment at EMS retail stores with booking

2008 DATES/COSTS

• July 5th-7th (Saturday-Monday)

COST: $495 per person
While these dates are set up and ready to go, please feel free to set up a tour that fits your needs by calling 888-755-TREK. Prices and availability may differ. For reservations and questions, please call 888-755-TREK.

Click here to reserve your spot with a $150 deposit.

GROUP SIZE: 4-8 people

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided where indicated on the detailed itinerary. All meals are prepared fresh and packed with energy to keep you fueled for the activity ahead.

STYLE OF TRIP: These weekends are designed for active people who are interested in learning more about backcountry hiking in the Adirondacks. Everyone is expected to pitch in carrying group gear and preparing meals. No camping or hiking experience is required.

AGE GROUP: This trip is designed for ages 12+, but we can provide family programs upon request.

FITNESS RATING: Moderate
Must be comfortable carrying a pack and hiking 6-8 hours up moderately steep terrain.

INCLUDED WITH TRIP:

• Two nights lodging at the Peggy O’ Brian Camp in the Adirondack wilderness
• Meals during trip where indicated (B,L,D)
• Group equipment and trekking poles upon request
• Experienced local guide and author, Spencer Morrissey
• Equipment overview on day 1

NOT INCLUDED:

• Transportation to meeting point or trailhead
• Meals in Lake Placid
• Packing gear (ask about rentals)
• Personal snack items
• Medical or evacuation insurance

*All group gear will be divided up between participants

**All participants are responsible for their own snacks and individual gear

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For more information, or to book your very own Eastern Mountain Sports adventure, call our travel guru Becky Harrison at
888-755-8735
or e-mail us at becky@emstrek.com.

Call 888-755-8735 / Contact Us