Crane Mountain - 1/2/12

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'



Lots of ice and ice flows.  Micro spikes were needed!



Near the summit

I think this is the longest ladder I've seen on a trail...about 25 rungs



Lots of interesting rocks and terrain



The weather provided changing skies

 

The summit





Look at those clouds



Crane Mountain Pond





Looking back at Crane from the hill NW of the pond



One of the views from the NW hill



The pond



For the second day in a row, the skies switched to sunshine as the afternoon wore on



Looking back at Crane on the way out



Crane Mountain at EveryTrail

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.