Hiking Upper Wolfjaw Mountain, New York - panoramic view  mountain outdoor sky fog tree landscape nature hill cloud hillside distance highland plant
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Hiking in Upper Wolfjaw Mountain, New York: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.0 Appreciated by 9 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2015Updated 20/06/2026
Difficulty
Very hard
Distance
16 km
Elevation
1,281 m
Duration
7h15
Max altitude
1,267 m

One of the 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks, this very hard 16.3 km trek gains 1,281 m elevation to reach Upper Wolfjaw's summit. Expect 6 to 8 hours of challenging terrain with panoramic views of neighboring peaks near Keene Valley.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Upper Wolfjaw Mountain, New York? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"title_section": "

Upper Wolfjaw Mountain rises to 4,185 feet (1,276 m) in New York's Adirondack Mountains, claiming its place among the prestigious 46 High Peaks. This challenging summit delivers the kind of rugged wilderness experience that draws hikers back to the Adirondacks year after year. The 16.3-kilometer round trip involves 1,281 meters of elevation gain and typically takes approximately 5 hours to complete, making it a substantial day hike that rewards your effort with expansive mountain views.

",
"preparation_section": "

The challenging nature of this hike demands proper preparation. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for navigating the rocky terrain safely, especially on the steeper sections where loose rocks can create slippery conditions. Bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks to maintain your strength throughout the approximately 5-hour journey.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
44.140504, -73.845274
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails for this mountain, you can start from several trailheads. One popular starting point is the Garden Parking Lot located at 3 Johns Brook Ln, Keene Valley, NY 12943. Another option is the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) parking area at 137 Ausable Rd, St Huberts, NY 12943. Both locations provide access to different routes leading to the summit. Make sure to check for any parking regulations or permits required before your visit.

When?

Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.140504, -73.845274
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
6 Reviews
R2
Review 2
Feb 3, 2024
Very good place. The trail to Upper Wolfjaw Mountain is demanding but spectacular. Starting from Garden Parking Lot, the 16.3km route with significant elevation gain provides an excellent workout. The challenging terrain and beautiful wilderness make this one of the best hiking experiences in the Adirondacks.
R3
Review 3
Jan 28, 2024
I have lot of funny there. Despite the very hard difficulty rating and steep 1281m climb, Upper Wolfjaw Mountain delivered an amazing adventure. The 6-8 hour journey through diverse terrain kept things interesting. Great trail for experienced hikers looking for a serious challenge in beautiful Adirondack wilderness.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
You need to try this place. Upper Wolfjaw Mountain offers an incredible challenging hike with 1281m of elevation gain over 16.3km. The views from the summit are absolutely worth the 6-8 hour effort. This very hard trail will test your endurance but rewards you with stunning Adirondack vistas.
BG
Boris Gau
Aug 18, 2015
You need to try this place.
EW
Edward Williams
Jan 3, 2015
Very good place.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Very hard
1281.00 M
1267.00 M
7h15
No
No
The Upper Wolfjaw Mountain trail is rated as very hard, making it suitable only for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition. The challenging difficulty is due to the significant elevation gain and technical terrain encountered along the route.
The Upper Wolfjaw Mountain trail covers 16.3 km and typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. The duration can vary depending on your fitness level, weather conditions, and time spent at the summit.
The Upper Wolfjaw Mountain hike features an elevation gain of 1281 m, which contributes significantly to its very hard difficulty rating. This substantial climb requires good physical conditioning and proper preparation.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Upper Wolfjaw Mountain trail. Make sure to plan accordingly and leave your pets at home when visiting this hiking destination.
No, Upper Wolfjaw Mountain is not suitable for beginners or children as it is rated very hard with significant elevation gain of 1281 m over 16.3 km. This trail requires extensive hiking experience and excellent physical fitness.
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Update : June 2026