We assured them they were close to some camping sites at Lake Arnold and pointed the way which seemed to relieve most of them. They didn't belong here. We have reached Lake Arnold. The trail up Colden starts out gradually at a gentle upward slope that curves around Lake Arnold as it climbs. Path over bare rock such as this is not uncommon.
Footing remains very good at all times.
Unlike many ascents in the Adirondacks, Colden's is not a jumble of rocks of all sizes to be hopped over. The worst of these, as I recall, is the ascent to Times Square in the Santanoni Range via Panther Brook. The hill just in front of Tabletop is where Indian Falls is located. Coming back down is more difficult. It offers some very good views toward the MacIntyre.