Colden from Avalanche Pass, out past Arnold Lake 7/9/09

[Explorer61]

First nice day in a while but trail is still wet and muddy. Steep section up is wet, but grippy enough to handle (garnet in granite?). It appears as if DEC is abandoning this trail since many of the log ladders on the steeper sections are rotted - use care or go around. Top of Colden was extremely muddy. Black flies out in force above 3500.
Gaiters, poles, and good boots all important.