Mount Colden via Lake Arnold

The route begins and ends at the Adirondack Loj trailhead, after reaching the summit of Mount Colden. Start at the Adirondack Loj trailhead near Heart Lake. Follow the blue-blazed Van Hoevenberg Trail southeast for 2.3 miles to Marcy Dam. Turn south onto the Avalanche Pass Trail, following along Marcy Brook. Reach the junction with the Avalanche Pass Trail at 3.3 miles and veer left to remain on the yellow-blazed trail toward Lake Arnold. Climb steadily to reach Lake Arnold at 4.9 miles. At Lake Arnold, turn right onto the red-blazed L. Morgan Porter Trail. Climb approximately 950 vertical feet over steep, rocky terrain, wooden stairs, and exposed bedrock slabs to reach the summit of Mount Colden. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.