Hiking Giant Mountain via the Ridge Trail from Route 73 in the Adirondacks
Giant Mountain via Ridge Trail - Adirondack 46er, Serious Climbing, and a Surprise Spring Snowstorm
Giant Mountain is one of the Adirondack High Peaks, and on this hike with Hike On Guides clients, and the mountain made sure none of us forgot that spring in the Adirondacks can still come with full-on winter conditions.
We started at the Giant Mountain trailhead on Route 73, followed the Ridge Trail to Giant’s Washbowl, continued up the Ridge Trail to the summit, and then returned the same way through the snow that fell all day.
What made the day memorable was not just the summit, but the weather that came with it. We expected a spring hike and got an unexpected, but beautiful snowstorm instead, which turned this already steep and rugged High Peaks climb into a much more serious outing that asked for lots of patience, good footing, and a little extra humility along the way. Then on the way down the clouds lifted and we were able to get views of all the surrounding high peaks of the Adirondacks. An unforgettable hike in so many different ways.
Giant Mountain via Ridge Trail Details
🧭 Trailhead: Giant Mountain trailhead on Route 73.
🗺️ Route: Ridge Trail to Giant’s Washbowl, then Ridge Trail to the summit and back the same way.
🥾 Distance: About 6 miles round trip.
📈 Elevation Gain: About 3,000 feet.
⚠️ Difficulty: Difficult, with steep climbing and rugged footing.
📱AllTrails Information: Giant Mountain via the Ridge Trail
📸 Highlights: Giant’s Washbowl, Ridge Views, Summit Views
👉 Best for: Hikers who can handle a strenuous Adirondack hike that offers beautiful ridge and summit views
Giant Mountain Via Ridge Trail Overview
The Ridge Trail is one of the most direct and popular ways up Giant Mountain, and it wastes no time getting to work. From Route 73, the trail climbs steadily toward Giant’s Washbowl, which gives you a scenic landmark and a good place to catch your breath before the upper mountain. From there, the trail gets steeper, rockier, and more exposed as it continues to the summit of Giant Mountain.
Because this hike is an out-and-back, the return is the same as the approach: summit back to Washbowl, then down the Ridge Trail to the Route 73 trailhead. The mileage is modest at about 6 miles round trip, but the nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain makes it a legitimately strenuous climb, especially in snow. Even in better weather, Giant is not a casual walk in the woods; it is a steady, strenous Adirondack climb that keeps asking for more until the top. The descent is no cake walk either - so be prepared both up and down!
Route 73 to Giant’s Washbowl
From the Giant Mountain Trailhead on Route 73, the Ridge Trail begins climbing almost immediately, crossing a small brook and then working steadily uphill through mixed forest. Early on, expect a narrow footpath with roots, rocks, and a few short stream crossings that keep the footing a little uneven even before the climb really starts to bite. The grade is persistent but still moderate enough at first to let you settle into the hike before the trail steepens higher up.
As you continue upward, the trail gives you a brief opening to a viewpoint over Chapel Pond before leading you to Giant’s Washbowl at about 1 mile from the trailhead.
At Giant’s Washbowl, the trail passes alongside the pond and a trail junction. For the summit of Giant Mountain you should stay on the Ridge Trail. From here, the hike becomes noticeably more serious as the trail leaves the lower forest and heads toward the rocky ridge leading to the summit.
Giant’s Washbowl to Giant Mountain Summit
From Giant’s Washbowl, you’ll stay on the Ridge Trail as it leaves the pond and begins a sustained climb toward Giant Mountain’s summit. The trail becomes steeper above the Washbowl, with a mix of very rocky tread, open bedrock, and short ledges that require steady footing. In this section, the Ridge Trail follows a mostly direct line up the mountain, so the route is easy to follow, but the climbing is constant and there are few opportunities where the ascent eases off.
As you gain elevation, the trail opens more and more, and much of the upper climb is exposed ridge walking rather than shaded forest travel. There are a few places where the grade briefly eases, but the overall pattern is one of steady uphill progress over rock slabs and rough tread. In clear weather, this section gives you views back toward Giant’s Washbowl and the surrounding High Peaks; in snow or wind like we had, it can feel much more open and exposed.
Near the top, expect the climb to steepen again before the trail reaches Giant’s summit area. The summit is reached directly from the Ridge Trail, and the final stretch is a straightforward but strenuous finish over open rock and rugged footing.
Giant Mountain Summit back to Trailhead
On the way back down, retrace the Ridge Trail from the summit and stay alert for the same rocky footing that showed up on the climb. The descent is straightforward in route but still steep enough to demand care, especially on slick rock.
As you lose elevation, the trail gradually returns to a more wooded feel, and the open ridge travel gives way to a narrower forest track. Once you reach Giant’s Washbowl again, the hardest climbing is behind you, but the trail still requires attention because the lower slopes can stay rocky, wet, and uneven. From there, continue following the Ridge Trail down toward Route 73, passing the same stream crossings and early trail features you encountered on the way up.
The final stretch back to the trailhead is less demanding than the summit push, but it can still feel long after a steep Adirondack climb. Expect a steady downhill through the woods, with occasional roots and rocks to watch for before the trail crosses the brook and returns to the trailhead on Route 73.
Closing Thoughts
Giant Mountain gave us one of those days that felt bigger than the mileage on paper. The Ridge Trail from Route 73 is direct, steep, and classic High Peaks country, and Giant’s Washbowl is unique and scenic way to break up the climb. This wasn’t our first time doing this hike and it’s likely it won’t be our last. Every time we find more to enjoy along the way.
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For More Information on Hiking Giant Mountain
Adirondack High Peaks Info Center
Additional Adirondack Park and High Peaks information is available at the High Peaks Info Center located at 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Helpful staff can answer questions, and maps and guides are available.
Hire Hike On Guides for the Giant Mountain Hike
Need help on a hike like this? Both Moe and Jeff are NYSDEC licensed hiking and backpacking guides. Hire us through our guiding company, Hike On Guides for customized trips in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
More of our Adirondacks hikes on YouTube
Gear that we use on our hikes
Our go-to gear this trip included:
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of trail can be steep and rocky, others can be muddy, so use caution and always watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
