The Colden Trap Dyke, as viewed from across Avalanche Lake. This View is accessible by heading to Marcy dam and continuing through the "Misery mile" until Avalanche Pass.

How the photo was taken F-stop: f/5.6

Exposure Time: 1/80 sec

ISO Speed: ISO-100

Focal Length: 20mm

Color Profile: Adobe Landscape





History excerpt from Hamilton College

"In 1850, Mount Colden saw its first ascent by Alexander Ralph and Robert Clark via the Trap Dike (Adirondack Rock 516). All other high peak ascents to that date were done for research or surveys, making this summit the first to be done “for the sheer joy of climbing” (Heaven 235).

While the Trap Dike’s first ascent was done without ropes or proper climbing equipment, there is much discussion over whether the feature should be labeled a hike or a climb. The Trap Dike is graded as a third – or fourth-class climb in the Yosemite Decimal System, which means that it is a rocky, non-technical and potentially exposed scramble, so a fall could result in serious injury or death (The “New” Trap Dike).

On September 30, 2011, the Trap Dike saw its first ever summer climbing fatality (it is also a very popular winter mountaineering route that has claimed a handful of lives). The hiker, though experienced, was not climbing with protective climbing equipment and his death re-sparked the debate over whether the Trap Dike should be labeled a rock climb that warrants the use of a rope (Climber Dies in Trap Dike)."



