I had today off for the New Year's Holiday and I couldn't decide whether to go skiing or take a hike. I was a little late getting started this morning so I chose a hike. When I go skiing, I like to be on the mountain when the lift starts (and I can still get a parking spot).
Crane Mountain was the destination for today. Crane is tucked back off of Route 28, a little NW of Warrensburg, NY. As you'll see in the terrain map at the end of this post, it is kind of a raised plateau boasting a nice pond surrounded by a couple hills and Crane Mountain. There is also a loop hike possibility, which I did, hiking in a counterclockwise direction.
It was very windy on top, with blowing snow squalls. Occasionally the sun poked through for a couple seconds before disappearing. I found the area to be fascinating and I climbed the 2 hills surrounding the pond in addition to Crane Mountain.
It will be nice place to come back to in the summertime.
Hike Stats
Hike Distance: 5 miles
Hike Time: 4 hours
Total Vertical Gain: 1930'
Trail Head Elevation: 2080'
Summit Elevation: 3240'
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| Lots of ice and ice flows. Micro spikes were needed! |
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| Near the summit |
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| I think this is the longest ladder I've seen on a trail...about 25 rungs |
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| Lots of interesting rocks and terrain |
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| The weather provided changing skies |
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| The summit |
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| Look at those clouds |
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| Crane Mountain Pond |
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| Looking back at Crane from the hill NW of the pond |
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| One of the views from the NW hill |
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| The pond |
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| For the second day in a row, the skies switched to sunshine as the afternoon wore on |
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| Looking back at Crane on the way out |
This is a great loop hike, but it is a strenuous loop. Steep rocky sections at either end to get up or out of the high plateau. A good half day hike.
Gorgious photos, does the mountain credit, magical mountain isnt it? caeri@aol.com
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