The short section of the Avalanche Camp Trail that connects uphill to the Mt Colden Trail is a difficult 0.5 miles over very rocky terrain. One way it is 1.2 miles. Elevation change is about 900 feet. We have hiked this route twice over 3 years and have found the trail consistently in good to excellent condition. Occasional short, steep climbs of 10-20 feet pose no significant obstacle to the average hiker.
Footing is good to excellent.
This is one of the more enjoyable climbs in the Adirondacks. Total distance from Heart Lake to the summit of Mt Colden is about 7.0 miles. The return via the Avalanche Camp Trail instead of the Van Hoevenberg Trail will be less. Overall, we consider the hike strenuous , due mainly to distance and the significant on the Van Hoevenberg and Colden trails. Very good , overall.