Completing the Dix Range represents the culmination of years of climbing and recreation for the Upstate Bois, since this is where Kevin and I both started and completed our 46er Journey, from 2018 to 2025. Even if that were not the case, though, Dix would still rank pretty high on our peeks list, offering pretty great views across the whole range (Macomb is probably the weakest, but it’s still great).
We started with Macomb/Grace/Carson (from Elk Lake) and then ended with Carson/Hough/Dix (from Round Pond), both of which were pretty fantastic, albeit, not particularly well marked trails. The smartest way to do this is probably to camp overnight on the trail from Elk Lake, which many of our friends have done and enjoyed.
What an incredible journey it’s been, what an incredible challenge for our final ascent on Dix and what incredible views we had to finish it off. God Bless and Good Luck on your journey, from #16,991 and #16,992!
- There are several ways to approach this range, the best option will depend on your strategy and how much of it you’re looking to do. Overnighting is probably the best strategy for getting it all in one shot.
- Every approach will require parking at relatively limited lots (especially Elk Lake) that can be small, difficult to get to, closed seasonally, etc.. do your research on this one before heading out. It’ll be a long day, make sure you’ve got plenty of supplies!
- Good orienteering or AllTrails or some sort of equivalent is an absolute must for theses herd trails, they aren’t the worst by any means, but they are mostly unmarked and you could get lost very easily. Various trails run through and around this range, make sure you’re on the right track.
- There’s plenty of water options in and around this range, water crossings, and good filtration spots.
Macomb Mountain – 4,405′
The slide up to Macomb is absolutely no joke, but the views as you ascend it are genuinely exceptional, and standing at the mostly wooded peak feels like a true triumph. This was our very first peak as a crew, and the second we looked out into the valley, we were hooked.
Grace Peak (East Dix) – 4,012'
Our time on Grace was short, but beautiful, and as the storm rolled in around us, we began to wonder weather or not continuing was a good idea. We drank in the views here and got to Carson just in time for the rain. My memory is fuzzy, but I remember Grace being my favorite on our initial run on the Dix Range. We did not complete the loop and headed back over Grace and McComb in the end.
Carson Peak (South Dix) – 4,060′
Because of our approach to the Dix Range, Carson Peak is the only one we’ve done twice. The first time was brief, as we were getting buffed by strong winds and a coming storm, and the second time was limited by our need to push through the Dix Range before sunset. Even still, the views were exceptional.
Hough Peak – 4,400′
Together, Hough and Dix offer some of my favorite views in the entire 46, up there with Giant, Colvin, Gothics and few others as easy favorites. The trail from Carson to Hough is relatively smooth, and the peak is sublime. Our early November trip offered views of snow capped mountains across the horizon.
Dix Mountain – 4,857′
It’s end of the line on our journey, and nearly sunset as we manage to mount our final peak. We would have loved to stay longer, but we needed to get going. Dix is a tall one, and you can see all the way past Marcy, the stretch from Beck-Horn to the Peak is absolutely exceptional.
We Give This Trail: 8.5/10
Rating considers trail conditions, difficulty, views and other notable characteristics