High Peaks of Adirondacks Backpacking

June 6th-8th

Ready to trade your daily grind for some dirt, laughs, and mountain views?

Join us for a rewarding (and wildly fun) women’s backpacking trip in the breathtaking High Peaks Wilderness of New York State, just outside of Lake Placid. This adventure is made for women of all experience levels—whether you’ve never camped before or you’re basically part mountain goat—who want to reconnect with nature, build real confidence, and share unforgettable trail moments.

We’ll kick things off at the Heart Lake Adirondack Loj Trailhead before hiking approximately 2 miles into our forested backcountry campsite at Marcy Dam—tucked along the Marcy Creek with an open river bed that provides a lovely mountain view for cooking our dinner. The next day, we’ll summit Phelps Mountain, a beloved Adirondack High Peak with jaw-dropping views of Mount Marcy, Colden, and the MacIntyre Range. Expect about 9 miles round-trip from your car, 2,244 feet of elevation gain, and a mix of forest trails, rocky climbs, and just enough scrambling to keep it spicy.

Whether you’re looking to try backpacking for the first time or ready to level up your hiking game, this trip invites you to slow down, savor the beauty, and connect—with the land, with new friends, and with the bold, capable version of yourself that’s been there all along.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Hike In & Set Up Camp

Meet at Heart Lake Adirondack Loj Trailhead
Hike approximately 2.3 miles on the Van Hoevenberg Trail to Marcy Dam
Set up tents, enjoy a campfire dinner, and unwind in nature

Day 2: Summit Phelps Mountain

Leave camp set up and hike ~4 miles round-trip to the summit of Phelps
Elevation gain: ~2,244 feet
Enjoy stunning panoramic views and celebrate your accomplishment
Return to camp at Marcy Dam for a restful night

Day 3: Hike Out

Pack up camp and hike the 2.3 miles back to the trailhead
Say goodbye feeling proud, peaceful, and empowered

Trail Tip: Treat yourself after the trek—head into the charming mountain towns of Lake Placid or Saranac Lake with your new trail sisters and enjoy a well-deserved, delicious brunch to celebrate your adventure!

What's Included

Guided hike led by an insured New York State Licensed Guide (DEC #9756)
Food storage using certified bear canisters
Camp stove and fuel for group use
Water purification system for group use
Group first aid kit

What’s Not Included

Transportation to and from the trailhead
Parking fees at Adirondack Loj trailhead
Personal camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, etc.)
All meals and snacks

LOGISTICS

For your convenience, we offer flexible payment options through Klarna—pay in 4 easy installments, interest-free, to make this more accessible.

Meeting
6/6 @ 4pm

Meeting at the parking lot of Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake at 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
There is a fee of $10 a day for parking, please bring cash

Ending
6/8 @ 10am

We will arrive back to our cars by 10 am approximately

Highly recommend making a stop afterwards in Lake Placid or Lake Saranac to wander the cute shops or join other women for a well deserved brunch

We will be carrying all of our gear in our packs. I will be providing the bear canisters, camp stove, fuel, first aid, and water purification. Check out our gear page for some gear recommendations. All "smellables"must fit into our bear canister including deodorant, chapstick, food, or products that have a smell.

WHAT TO PACK?

Click to view & download packing list.

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Meet the Team

Adventure. Empowerment. Growth.

Amy Long

Trip Leader &

Guide

Amy has a background in Environmental Studies and a deep passion for making the outdoors accessible and empowering for women. As a certified Wilderness First Responder, she founded Wandering Wild to create meaningful experiences in nature, guiding women as they build confidence, reconnect with themselves, and embrace their authenticity. In the Channel Islands retreat, Amy leads participants through various hikes that challenge and inspire. She holds space for personal growth and renewal, helping women trust their intuition, recognize their strength, and step into their full potential. Through nature, community, and outdoor skill-building, Amy empowers women to break through limitations and rediscover their sense of adventure—both in the outdoors and in life.

Grace Savarie

Trip Intern

Grace grew up in the Adirondacks and has always had a deep sense of love for the park. As a child she spent most of her time outdoors, whether taking care of her animals on her homestead, or playing the the woods with her cousins. She truly began loving hiking about two years ago, and goes as often as she can now. Lately, she has been pursuing her New York State Guide License, and is certified in Wilderness First Aid and deep water lifeguarding.