Location and surroundings
Upper Wolfjaw Mountain belongs to the widest-to-narrowest chain North America Plains > Canadian Shield > Adirondack Mountains > Adirondack High Peaks > Great Range. It is in the United States, in New York, and administratively in the Town of Keene, Essex County. At 1,281 m, it is the 33rd highest of 3,474 named peaks in New York. The mountain sits in rugged Adirondack terrain with steep slopes, rocky ledges and forested approaches.
Neighbouring peaks
- Armstrong Mountain — 1,320 m, 0.7 km SW
- Armstrong Mountain — 1,350 m, 1.1 km S
- Lower Wolfjaw Mountain — 1,273 m, 1.3 km NE
- Gothics — 1,425 m, 1.7 km SW
- Pyramid Peak — 1,401 m, 2.1 km SW
- Gothics — 1,410 m, 2.1 km SW
- Gooseberry Mountain — 1,086 m, 2.4 km W
- Saddleback Mountain — 1,375 m, 2.8 km SW
The nearest higher peak is Armstrong Mountain, only 0.7 km away to the southwest. Upper Wolfjaw is lower than several nearby Great Range summits, but it is higher than Lower Wolfjaw Mountain and forms part of the same ridge system.
The view from the summit
From Upper Wolfjaw Mountain, the highest peaks within 25 km are part of the central Adirondack High Peaks. To the southwest are Mount Marcy at 1,629 m and Mount Haystack at 1,498 m, both about 7.0 km and 5.8 km away respectively. Basin Mountain lies 3.9 km SW, while Algonquin Peak is farther west at 11.3 km. Other nearby high points include Mount Colden and Dix Mountain.
The range
Upper Wolfjaw Mountain is part of the Great Range, which has 19 named peaks. The highest peak in that range is Basin Mountain at 1,468 m, about 4 km SW of Upper Wolfjaw. Within the Great Range, Upper Wolfjaw ranks 9th highest. The range lies in the Adirondack High Peaks of New York and is known for a long, rugged crest where many summits are linked by hiking routes.
Climbing routes
A full traverse of the Great Range crosses Upper Wolfjaw Mountain. A direct hiking approach uses the ADK Range Trail, which begins at the DEC Interior Outpost on the Phelps Trail. From there, the route continues to the notch between Upper Wolfjaw Mountain and Lower Wolfjaw Mountain, then follows the right fork to the summit. On the northwestern slope, several rock slides can be climbed, including the Skinny Slide, formed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
Access and starting points
The usual access area is Keene Valley, New York. One documented approach starts at the Garden Parking Lot on New York State Route 73, then follows the Phelps Trail for 3.1 miles to the DEC Interior Outpost. From there, the Range Trail continues 2.0 miles to the notch between the Wolfjaws, and the right fork leads another 0.9 miles to the summit. This is a backcountry route in the Adirondacks, so route-finding and conditions matter.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data for 2001–2020, adjusted to summit elevation. At the summit, the warmest month is July at about 14 °C, and the coldest is January at about -12 °C. Mean temperatures are above freezing from May through October. The surrounding area gets about 1,100 mm of precipitation a year, with about 130 mm in June and about 60 mm in January. Expect wind, rapid cloud changes, wet rock and winter ice.
Best time to visit
The months with average summit temperatures above freezing are May, June, July, August, September and October, which is the most practical window for hiking. Summer and early autumn usually offer the most comfortable conditions, while spring can bring lingering snow and mud and late autumn can turn cold quickly. Even in the warmer months, the Great Range can have strong wind and slick rock, so early starts and flexible plans help.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain lies in the forested Adirondack backcountry, where lower slopes are typically covered by mixed northern hardwoods and higher ground shifts toward conifers and thin, rocky terrain. Slides and ledges create open patches with sparse vegetation. Wildlife in this region can include black bear, white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare and a range of birds adapted to mountain forest. The summit area is exposed enough that weather and wind can change the feel of the landscape quickly.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Upper Wolfjaw Mountain, a certified guide is usually most useful for first-time visitors, winter travel, poor visibility or a full Great Range traverse. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides. Guided trips typically depend on route length, group size, weather, equipment and whether the outing includes multiple days or hut nights.
Safety and preparation
Upper Wolfjaw Mountain demands the fitness and preparation expected for a steep Adirondack High Peak. Trails can be rocky, muddy and exposed to sudden weather changes, and the descent can be as demanding as the climb. Carry layers, rain protection, a map and enough food and water for a long day. In the United States, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 911; dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team.
History and name
Landscape artist Alexander Helwig Wyant gave Upper Wolfjaw Mountain its name, together with nearby Lower Wolfjaw Mountain, because of the way the pair looked in profile around 1870. The first recorded ascent was made on October 11, 1875 by surveyor Verplanck Colvin and trail guides Ed Phelps and Roderick L. McKenzie. The mountain has long been part of classic Adirondack High Peaks travel.
Interesting facts
Upper Wolfjaw Mountain is the 9th highest of the 19 named peaks in the Great Range. It is also the 33rd highest named peak in New York. The nearest higher peak is Armstrong Mountain, and the Great Range high point, Basin Mountain, is about 4 km away to the southwest. The mountain is part of a ridge where several summits can be linked in one long traverse.
FAQ
How high is Upper Wolfjaw Mountain? It rises to 1,281 m.
Where is Upper Wolfjaw Mountain? It is in the Great Range of the Adirondack Mountains, in Essex County and the Town of Keene, New York, United States.
What range is it part of? It belongs to the Great Range, within the Adirondack High Peaks.
What are the nearest peaks? Armstrong Mountain is the nearest higher peak, and Lower Wolfjaw Mountain lies to the northeast. Gothics, Pyramid Peak and Saddleback Mountain are also close by.
Is there water on the way to Upper Wolfjaw Mountain? The route is a long mountain hike in the Adirondacks, so water should be carried from the start. Plan on 1.5-3 litres for a day, depending on heat and route length, and treat any natural water you may use along the way.
How long does it take to climb Upper Wolfjaw Mountain? A common ascent from the Ausable Club/AMR trailhead via the West River Trail and Wedge Brook Trail, continuing over Lower Wolfjaw Mountain, is often a strenuous full-day hike of about 7-9 hours round trip.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable? Coverage on the trails and summit is reported as unreliable to poor, and it can be spotty in the Adirondack backcountry. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.