McKenzie Pond Boulders

Location: Between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake

Type of Climbing: Bouldering

Type of Rock: Granite

Camping: Free camping all around the area

Guidebook: Adirondack Rock: A Rock Climber's Guide by Jim Lawyer and Jeremy Haas

Amenities...
There a few, small grocery stores in the area and a gas station (that will overcharge) but that is really it in the area.  Saranac Lake is a fully functional town while Lake Placid is fully functional but is more local-esque than Saranac.  Saranac you will find Aldi's, McDonald's, and other chains for cheap food options.

Climbing here...
The bouldering here is pretty sweet.  With right off the road approaches, well-maintained trails, and a variety of traverses, overhangs, slab, highball, and roofs; it is surely to satisfy any boulderers itch.  I personally spent 3 days here and got a good feel for the rock.  I also felt like 3 days was enough though.


The Guidebook...
The guidebook is a must-have for the area (the Adirondacks that is), but maybe not so much of a must-have for the McKenzie Pond Boulders because they are so easy to find and make sense of what the ratings are.  If you are a boulderer you can meander your way around the area without the guidebook.

My opinion on general area...
Maybe one of my favorite places in the country?  Yeah, I am not exaggerating.  The area is spectacular with huge "ponds", lakes, rivers, and granite slabs jutting out from those said bodies of water.  The area is so green that you could actually get sick of the color. (somehow)

Camping...
The closest free camping ground is Jones Pond (about 25 minutes away).  For directions click here.  It is a beautiful area to camp with the pond a rock throw away.  Beware though the road is not maintained THAT well, so if you believe you do not have the clearance in the first 50 yards, do not go further.  Good news is that you can park in the main area and hike in with gear.  I despise doing that while camping but the hike is not that bad, really.  Also, make sure to plan your bathroom visits because it looks like the port-o-potty was built in the 50's and was last taken care around the same time.

Recommendation...
You should go to the ADK even if you are not a climber.  That's how nice it is there.  If you ARE a climber, then you must go!  There are more trad opportunities in the area but for the boulderer McKenzie Pond Boulders will give you something to do for a good 3 days.

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