It had been warmer over the weekend than my 19° start, so I was able to “bare boot” it until just shy of the summit. Another small peak on the way out. I was also nervous about my pup after talking to a few folks on the trail. Gothics: A Tale of 3 Faces: East, South & North in a Day 6/15/2013. So this is what winter looks like. Rock scrambles that were suppose to be non negotiable. After enjoying the summit you will head back down to the junction and head towards Rocky Peak Ridge (RPR). Fuji 60mm/Nikon 55mm/Pentax 50mm Macro Shootout. Myself along with a group of 6, in total will be there 01/02. The views are incredible - and the hike itself is worth it. It wasn’t until about an hour afterwards that the clouds finally left Rocky Peak, at least giving me the beautiful eastern vista on my way back to Giant. Instagram- @jonathanzphotography_ Song- Joakim Karud - Love Mode It also made for a scenic ascent, and my tracks were the first on the new snow. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Around the Ridge Trail junction (which leads to the summit of Rocky Peak Ridge) Jess and I noticed a cross with the name “Eric Engler” engraved on it. The Adirondacks got their answer: December 27. Rocky Peak Ridge Bushwhack with Giant Gothics & Pyramid. Rocky Peak Ridge in winter. Would give this hike 6 stars if allowed. Icy at first. how are we going to get past that. Rocky Peak had some wind by the time we got there, but it was warm enough that it didn't have the chill of a winter … One of the best ascents in all the High Peaks in my opinion. My caution is only to be prepared for it. The last time I climbed Giant Mountain I went up the Roaring Brook trail a couple miles up the road off from route 73. Across the valley, Rocky Peak Ridge’s twin slides (sand and rubble) looked nearly vertical, an illusion of perspective. And you get to do the Giant ridge trail going downhill so you can enjoy all of the views without turning around. The summits likewise afforded views of the Dix and Colvin Ranges, Whiteface, and the Green Mountains of Vermont (from RPR). The descent off the eastern face of Giant Mountain was steep and icy, but beautiful even in the clouds. so on June 9th 2020, we set out to hike giant and boy were we in for a suprise. You’re not done after RPR, not as easy as it looks on paper. It wasn’t until about a quarter mile from the summit that I donned my Hillsounds Trail Crampons which I would wear for almost the rest of the hike. We took a nice dip in Chapel Pond afterwards, very refreshing :). Giant Mountain - East Trail via Rocky Peak Ridge East Trail in Giant Mountain Wilderness extends 6.7 miles and ascends 3,600 feet from the trailhead on Route 9 to the 4,420-foot summit of Rocky Peak Ridge and its 360- d egr vi w. Mu ch of tal snp ky of the mountains, forests and waters to the north, east and southeast. The Chapel Pond Trailhead is across from Chapel Pond several miles north on 73 from the intersection of 73 and Route 9. Yes. Just another mile or two and you'll be out to the Rte 9 and the vehicle. He negotiated it all! After a few summit photos we found a nice spot to sit down and enjoy a nice break before the next challenge of the day. Giant also has several different ways to approach the summit, but this path would be the most popular, mostly because of the length and the access to see the Giant Washbowl and Nubble. also don't forget your flashlights you might need that too. And, as I figured, Ashley (who turned 9 on May 13), was the best hiker in the group. North Trail to Giant (class IV) - (15.3 miles) East Trail to Giant (class IV) - (7.9 miles) via Rocky Peak Ridge; Ridge Trail to Giant (class V) - (6.2 total miles) includes the "Over" bypass on the Ridge Trail, the Ridge Trail and the Roaring Brook trail to Giant. NE Slide, East Face, Dipper, Finger & Eagle 6/4/11. Gothics East Face (Rainbow Slide) 2013 on ADK Almanac 3/15/12, 2/23/13, 6/15/13 I did Giant. Nice views at each outlook along the way. I went to roaring broke falls in keene by route 73. hike up the falls saw a sign that said giant mountain 3miles and my friend and I decided that the next day off we had we should hike up giant, after all its only 3miles how hard could it be. You can reach Rte. Later we will make a turn here to hike over to Rocky Peak Ridge mountain. Highly recommend going over to Rocky Ridge Peak, it has an even better view than Giant. The views along the East Trail probably make it one of the best hikes in the Adirondacks. the higher we got the steeper the trail got some spots we were like omg! Snowshoes are required and will suffice on the lower reaches of the trail, but snow spikes are highly recommended on the steep, mostly exposed ridge and on the upper reaches of the mountain. The trail will then quickly take you to Giant’s Washbowl, a pleasing pond that has good skating in the winter, and around the washbowl to the right. The descent off the eastern face of Giant Mountain was steep and icy, but beautiful even in the clouds. It has everything: tons of views, fantastic summits, lakes, uncrowded trails. Rocky Peak Ridge stands as the high point on the ridge extending east from Giant. Otherwise, it was empty. Towards the top, I passed a junction sign for Rocky Ridge Peak, saying the peak of Giant was 0.3 miles away. Winter Wonderland !!! I waited in hopes of the clouds lifting, but gave up after an hour. we did spend over an hour at the summit and we stopped alot along the way, but hiking up the trail was even worst. The Ridge Trail to Giant Summit: 3 mi Ascent: 3050′ High Peak Rank: 12 Elevation: 4,626′ Rocky Peak Ridge from Giant: 1.3 mi, 2.6 mi RT Ascent: 1400′ ascent High Peak Rank: 20 Elevation: 4,390′ Total Distance: 8.6 miles RT Time with stops: ~8 hrs this hike is not for the faint of heart and needs mental toughness. Some of the open rock was icy, so that was pretty scary at times, but if you picked your footing carefully it's definitely doable. The only really difficult part is the ascent from RPR to Giant. The last mountain with a name you will skirt on the way down the East Trail. The trail is easy to lose towards the top. Your email address will not be published. The view into the Great Range and beyond is amazing and well worth a ling lunch break. fast forward to 9/11/20 we set out to do Rocky Peak and boy I don't know what it is but it was brutal the trail going down was steep and yes Rocky the weekend before we hiked wright, Algonquin and Iroquois all in one day and for some reason Rocky seems harder. Also, hiking 15 miles isn’t typically the same as walking 15 miles (I say typically bc experienced hikers can rock that easily). The Ridge Trail to Giant Summit: 3 miles (3050' ascent)3 hours Round trip traverse to Rocky Peak Ridge: 2.6 miles (1400' ascent) 2 hours Total trip: 8.6 miles (4650' ascent) 8 hours. Warmed up. Great views at both summits. Mileage: 8.5 Miles up and back Parking area and Directions 44.138463,-73.743850 Rise: 4,436 ft (2 Peaks) Facebook Hike Time: 8 hrs (35 min from Giant to Rocky) Weather Snow Pack East Coast Fire Tower Page Significance: Giant is #12 on the list of Adirondack High Peaks and Rocky Peak is #20 Printable Map Here is some of what you need to know: This trail head is across from chapel pond; … The descent is steep off Giant towards RPR, but in the winter I think it's an easier walk than in the summer. The back half of the trek down from Rocky Peak Ridge is much more challenging than the elevation map indicates, the "short" ups and downs over the lower peaks are quite steep but the views continue, looking out across Lake Champlain into VT. There is another peak nearby named Mason Mountain. Parking here is free. After missing the vista from Rocky Peak Ridge, I was determined to wait on Giant for its fabulous views. Extraordinary! After a few false summits you reach Giants 4,626' open rock summit with incredible views. There was a young couple sitting atop the peak that morning. We push through came up on the Rocky Ridge sign read it and kept on hiking to giant. Fabulous hike! Rocky Peak Ridge from the Giant/RPR split. Snowshoes are required and will suffice on the generally well-packed trail, but snow spikes are highly recommended for the steep upper reaches of the mountain. Absolutely gorgeous, but as other reviewers have stated, this entire trail rarely lets up. This descent is really what makes the effort to carpool two cars worth it. Great hike! RPR looked like it might has some visibility Looking back at Giant from RPR The hiking never ends! The hike up to Giant has lots of switchbacks which help with the steep incline a bit. The views are some of the nicest I’ve yet seen. 73 off exit 30 off I-87. Trail is strenuous for sure but worth the effort. Loved this hike! Nice trail report, thanks for leaving and with nice pics too. Trail was clearly marked and it wasn’t until it got dark that there was any question bc of leaf cover. I snapped a couple photos and quickly turned back to head towards Rocky Peak Ridge, hoping for it’s wonderful views. Tough trail. You will want to drop a car at the Rte 9 lower trailhead and then drive to the Rte 73 Chapel Pond Trailhead to start the hike. But it’s hard and will take you longer, especially if you’re not in shape for hiking (rock scrambles, etc.). It was a bit chilly (~35-40°F), but with gloves, hat and layers, it felt great! However hiking up Giant was nonstop traffic. Take some time to relax here and then make your way back to the intersection to start heading down the East Trail. As the snow got softer, it no longer stuck to our snowshoes. You will be returning here and heading on down the East Trail towards Rocky Peak for your long descent out to the easterly trailhead. The snowy summit of Giant Mountain at 8:15 AM was completely clouded in, but the wind was low making it beautifully quiet. Giant and Rocky Ridge stand as the 12th and 20th highest peaks in the Adirondacks. The ridge led to the base of Giant, and the climbing was very very steep and difficult, often straight up slides. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The eastern trailhead off of Rte 9 several miles north from the intersection as well with no fees there either. Giant Mountain in winter. Snowshoeing Rocky Peak Ridge in winter is a serious endeavor that should only be attempted after tackling a few of the area's smaller mountains. Eagle Slide: 2rd Feather with RPR, Rocky Peak, Bald Peak & Back Again 10/6/08. Be prepared for a quick assent— elevation kicks up pretty fast. Beautiful. I have been looking forward to this hike and it was well worth it! This smaller you will descend over with great views from its rocky ledges. 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