BASIN MOUNTAIN
via Garden Trailhead
This mountain is known throughout the High Peaks as one of the best views from any summit. Although a more challenging mountain than most, the reward this mountain offers is exceptional. This hike is loaded with challenging terrain. This mountain can either be hiked by itself, or in a traverse form from Haystack to Saddleback. (see Haystack, Basin, Saddleback loop for more info)
What to know
Start:
The Garden Trailhead,
Keene Valley
Elevation Gain:
4,100 feet
Summit Elevations:
Basin Mountain 4,827 feet
Trail Length:
17.8 miles
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Difficulty:
5 out of 7 Difficult
Average Hiking Time:
10–12 hours
Dog Friendliness:
Experienced dogs only. Dogs permitted on leash; steep and exposed sections may be challenging.
Trail Surface:
Mixed dirt and rocky terrain on approach, with scrambles and slabs higher up
Water Availability:
Abundant along the route, particularly at Johns Brook Lodge and multiple streams
Maximum Grade:
700 feet over 0.5 miles (majority of the final ascent)
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Outstanding sunset views, considered among the best in the High Peaks
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View Type:
360-degree panoramic views including Haystack’s Johanssen Face, Skylight, Marcy, Colden, and the MacIntyre Range
Special Considerations:
This peak should NOT be attempted in adverse weather conditions due to its remote, technical, and exposed terrain. Consider that the only alternate route off Basin is via the challenging Saddleback Cliffs or back the way you came.
Intro
This mountain was named by Orson Phelps in 1857, on the same day Saddleback and Skylight was named, from a top Mount Marcy. This mountain was named for its distinct basin like features. And the first ascent was more than likely made by Orlando Beede in 1870. Basin Mountain offers some of the finest wilderness views in the Adirondacks. Renowned conservationist Bob Marshall described the vista from Basin as one of the Adirondack's most compelling.
The Hike
Begin at the Garden Trailhead in Keene Valley. Sign in, then follow the clearly marked trail toward Johns Brook Lodge (JBL). After 0.5 miles, stay right at the junction toward JBL, continuing over rolling terrain and crossing Johns Brook multiple times.
At 3.1 miles, sign in again at the second registry before reaching Johns Brook Lodge at 3.6 miles.
JBL is an excellent spot to refill water and take a brief rest. Continue straight past the lodge following signs toward Bushnell Falls and Mount Marcy.
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After 1.8 miles, you'll cross Johns Brook near Bushnell Falls, passing the Hopkins Trail junction. From here, ascend steadily another 1.6 miles toward Slant Rock, crossing Basin Brook and Johns Brook again. Slant Rock, identifiable by its enormous tilted stone, marks 7.0 miles from your starting point and offers a great resting spot.
Continue 0.1 miles past Slant Rock and turn left onto Shorey’s Shortcut toward the Range Trail. This rugged 1.1-mile trail ascends steeply, gaining approximately 650 feet in the first half-mile. It is mossy, rocky, and challenging, requiring careful footing and occasionally handholds. Halfway along, the trail levels briefly, offering great views of Basin and the surrounding valley, before descending approximately 300 feet to intersect with the Range Trail.
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At the intersection with the Range Trail, turn left toward Basin Mountain. This final 0.7-mile ascent to Basin’s summit is particularly challenging, climbing about 700 feet over steep, rocky terrain with ladders and scrambles. Exercise extreme caution in exposed areas. Just before reaching the summit, you'll ascend a prominent rock ledge, emerging above the treeline.
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Follow the rock cairns carefully to protect delicate alpine vegetation, and soon you’ll arrive at Basin’s summit at 8.9 miles, offering breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing Mount Marcy, Skylight, Haystack, Colden, and the MacIntyre Range.
Return by retracing your route to the Garden Trailhead.
Trail Summary
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0.0 miles: Start at the Garden Trailhead
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0.5 miles: Turn right toward Johns Brook Lodge
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3.1 miles: Second sign-in junction; continue right toward JBL
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3.6 miles: Reach Johns Brook Lodge; continue straight toward Bushnell Falls
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5.4 miles: Reach Bushnell Falls area; cross Johns Brook
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7.0 miles: Reach Slant Rock
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7.1 miles: Turn left onto Shorey’s Shortcut
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8.2 miles: Intersection with Range Trail; turn right toward Basin
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8.9 miles: Summit Basin Mountain; return via same route
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17.8 miles: Return to Garden Trailhead
