Pyramid is not typically a destination peak, but it should be. Pyramid is up over 4000’ in elevation and boasts to many the best views in the Adirondacks, but because it is so close to Gothics it cannot be delineated as a 46er High Peak. The placement of this bald little summit couldn’t have been any better. It’s nestled in the valley of Sawteeth and Gothics with the open views of the steeps cliffs of the Great Range.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
This hike is accessed through a conservation easement with the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). A parking reservation is needed from May 1 - October 31. Although it is called a “parking reservation,” everyone will need a reservation to access hikes leaving from AMR, whether you drove yourself, rode a bike, got dropped-off, or walked. These reservations can be made online via the AMR website. For more information, please read these FAQs or contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Getting there
This is part of the St Huberts parking area/trailhead. Leave Lake Placid on Route 73, follow Route 73 toward Keene. Continue through Keene and Keene Valley and into Saint Huberts. Continue to the trailhead for the AMR on the right, directly across the road for the Roaring Brook Falls Trail to Giant Mountain. This is approximately 3.0 miles from the outskirts of Keene Valley.
By the numbers
- Elevation: 4,550 feet
- Mileage: 6.6 miles, one way
Hiking
Below is a description for the shortest route to Pyramid Peak, but it can be approached from Gothics and can be part of many other loop trips incorporating other nearby peaks. Remember, this is hiking what should be considered a High Peak due to elevation, but it only is not on the list because of its proximity to Gothics.
This is a 6.6 mile hike, one way, along a mixture of terrain, with very steep sections. This approach is on the private property of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) where dogs are absolutely prohibited in this game preserve.
From the parking lot, you will initially have to follow a dirt road to a paved road along a golf course. At 0.5 miles from the parking area, turn left and down between two tennis courts on Lake Road Way to get to the gate into the AMR. The AMR is a private property area with recreational easements, special rules apply to use and those are posted at the gate. At the gate you will need to hike the dirt access road for a bit over 3.0 miles to Lower Ausable Lake. This dirt road is referred to as Lake Road and is just that. The road climbs steadily to the dam. There are other trails to get you there, but using the road is the most efficient. At the dam, cross it and obtain the foot path to Gothics. Just past the dam you will come first to a junction with the Scenic Trail to Sawteeth going left and then to a short side trail to Rainbow Falls on the right. A side trip to Rainbow Falls is well worth the effort. Continuing past the Rainbow Falls junction, the trail starts a steady moderate to steep climb, which will bring you to a view of the top of Rainbow Falls. You will continue for another 1.6 miles of moderate to steep climbing to an intersection with a trail left to Sawteeth and right to Pyramid Peak and Gothics. From this point it is roughly 0.6 miles to the summit of Pyramid, but it is very steep in sections and to many, very demanding and exhausting. However, you will be awestruck by its beauty.