Winter Challenge – Catskill 3500: Blackhead and Black Dome
Saturday, March 15, 2025
WINTER CHALLENGE 2025! We are doing all four 3500 peaks that have to be climbed in winter to join the 3500. If you climb all four with us this winter, you will get our Winter Challenge patch! The four peaks are Panther, Slide, Balsam, and Blackhead.
Today we’ll climb two mountains of the northern Catskills’ Blackhead Range. This rugged hike is more challenging than its distance leads you to believe! And it’s so worth it! Be prepared to hike over twisted roots and scramble up steep rocks. We’ll see some epic views on our way to Blackhead and Black Dome’s fragrant summits, thick with spruce and fir trees. If we have time, and the group is feeling up to the task, we’ll hit a third 3500 – Thomas Cole – at the end of the day.
These are required peaks for Catskill 3500 Club Membership and #5 and #3 Catskill High Peaks (elevation 3,941’ and 3,995’). Blackhead is one of the four peaks that must be climbed twice, at least once in winter (December 21 – March 21).
What’s included:
- NY State Licensed and Wilderness First Responder Certified Guide
- Transportation to and from NYC (if you would like to meet us at the trailhead, please email info@adventureuntamed.com)
- Hike of two Catskill 3500 tall peaks
Level: Challenging (Learn More)
Mileage: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,795 feet
Group Size: 2 - 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:15 am
Departure Time: 6:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
$104.00
Wear
- Waterproof hiking boots (required)
- Weather-appropriate, moisture-wicking, athletic clothing (no cotton)
- Wool or synthetic socks (no cotton)
- Waterproof gloves
- Warm hat
- Buff
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Leg gaiters
Pack
- Adventure Untamed will provide any traction devices you need, but if you have your own microspikes/snowshoes/crampons, feel free to bring them
- Insulating puffy and insulating pants
- Fleece / mid layer
- Windproof/waterproof top and bottom layers that can fit over all other layers
- Lunch
- Ample Snacks
- At least three (3) liters of water (*note* if temperature is below freezing do not bring hydration bladders – will freeze)
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Hand / foot warmers (optional)
- Extra layers to adjust for changing weather conditions
- Extra pair of wool socks
- Trekking poles (optional)
- A change of clothes for the ride back (optional)
