2026 High Peaks Group Hike: Wright Peak
The fifth annual Mountain Club hike: 7.3 miles and 2,582 feet of gain to the alpine summit of Wright Peak, the 16th highest in New York.
How it went
Recap and summit photos from August 22, 2026 are being added. Check back soon, or see the photos below.
Getting outside, enjoying nature and pushing myself physically is something I have always loved to do. Inside and outside of Rochester there are so many amazing parks to recreate in. For years I have been traveling to the Adirondacks for big and small adventures of all kinds, learning how to do so successfully and safely.
I have spent a lot of time in the High Peaks region and completed all 46 High Peaks in July 2025. As I gained experience, I found a passion for taking others with me. I want people to experience what I have found so valuable.
The hike
Starting at the Adirondack Loj, we take the Van Hoevenberg Trail for one mile, then the Algonquin Trail. About three miles in we turn left at the Wright trailhead sign. Soon after, we emerge above the treeline into the alpine zone. A short, challenging climb with a little rock scrambling brings us to the summit of Wright Peak at 4,580 feet.
In 1962 an Air Force bomber crashed on the summit of Wright Peak. A memorial plaque honors those lost, and hikers can still see pieces of the plane. On a clear day the summit has 360-degree views over the heart of the High Peaks.
How it will work
- Friday night: everyone camps or stays in a hotel or rental near Saranac Lake or Lake Placid.
- Saturday morning: we meet at the Adirondack Loj trailhead, which has 24-hour bathrooms, gear up, and Matt gives the pre-hike talk.
- We work together and stay together from the trailhead to the summit, take a good break on top, then descend.
- Afterwards the group is free to head home, back to camp, or meet up for post-hike food.
From the trail
What hikers say
We’ve had a wonderful experience with Matt on the Liquori Fit Mountain Club hikes! Matt is so thorough with the planning and logistics, which makes it a stress free outdoor experience for everyone. He’s so helpful in preparing us for the hikes too with tips on training, gear, what food to bring and hydration. The hikes are challenging but so rewarding and it’s especially nice doing it with everyone in the group!
The Liquori Fit Adirondacks High Peaks hike is one of the highlights of my summer each year. It’s an amazing combination of physical challenge, beautiful scenery, and a supportive community that makes every summit a rewarding experience.
I met Matt when I was invited to participate in a group hike he had organized. Matt was trying to engage people who might not traditionally think of doing a high peak, so our group included a pre-schooler and a variety of skill levels. It was impressive how Matt moved back and forth throughout the group to engage and check on everyone. His enthusiasm is infectious. He created such a warm and welcoming environment even for those of us he had just met. Having a large group to celebrate with at the summits was a singular experience. As I’ve come to know Matt better, I have also grown a deep respect for his character and his knowledge base. I would highly recommend him as a trustworthy guide.
I’ve done two group hikes through the ADK with matt, and several other ones besides that. Matt is a close personal friend of mine, so that may make this seem biased, but I think it gives me more of an opportunity to speak about his character and his passions, since I know him on a personal level. Matt is one of the most positive people I know, and has one of the biggest drives I’ve ever seen when it comes to helping other people. He really cares about changing his clients lives, and I admire that. The Adirondacks is probably his favorite place in the world, and it’s so awesome that he is becoming a guide to lead hikes through these mountains. Whenever I have a question about the ADK, Matt is the first person I ask. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the area there, and he is happy to share that knowledge, and to talk about it for extended periods of time. The group hikes I’ve done with Matt have been some of my best experiences in the mountains. I can’t wait for the next one!