Rocky Peak Ridge

Often climbed in conjunction with Giant Mt., aka Giant of the Valley, Rocky Peak Ridge is sometimes referred to as Giant's Wife. A spectacular trail from New Russia involves eight waterless miles and 5200 feet of ascent.

Routes

Rocky Peak Ridge trail from NY Route 9

12 summits • 10.7 mi • 5,222 ft gain • 10 hr 9 min

Rocky Peak Ridge 12.5 mi route

1 summit • 12.5 mi • 4,154 ft gain • 11 hr 24 min

Rocky Peak Ridge 6.6 mi route

1 summit • 6.6 mi • 3,574 ft gain

Rocky Peak Ridge 8.0 mi route

1 summit • 8.0 mi • 4,313 ft gain • 6 hr 15 min

Latest summits

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"Solo thru-hike from New Russia on Memorial Day 2019. No snow left, bugs swarming below 3,000 feet, trail mostly dry and well maintained. Very steep and LOTS of ups-and-downs, ups-and-downs coming over from New Russia. Do not underestimate this route! Beautiful day and scenic hike though." — ndru-virus • May 27, 2019

"Wow ,, what a day chasing RPR today,#22 ADK 46er to Rocky Peak Ridge Via New Russia, Trails were in great shape No Amazing shape with "some" snow on the upper north sides of the higher elevations which were easily passable with out leaving the main trail, A few wet and muddy spots to cross but no more then you would see after a good rain in july,, black flies were terrible though, some new light trail maintenance along the trail, new lines painted on rocky summits and a couple water crossing along the way,, Great day with Awesome company, " — ramjet1963 • May 19, 2019

"Climbed Rocky Ridge from Route 9, passing through some of the most amazing foliage I have ever seen. When I reached the summit, it was in the clouds, but as I sat there, the clouds began to rise, sending down the biggest show of god rays I have ever seen." — Right-On • Oct 9, 2018

"A perfect day to hike up Rocky Peak via the New Russia trail head! It was cool, a little breezy but clear skies up over the 3 smaller summits and onto the ridge to the summit of Rocky. Great day if hiking!" — hbotc • Sep 22, 2018

"It was so humid, but by far some of the most gorgeous views and the lake was incredible--plus a great way to get more water when I ran out. It was pretty humid and I didn't get as early a start as I wanted or I would have taken the ridge over to Giant's summit for unique views, though I have already done and completed Giant (would do again on a non-busy day)." — ionahraqs • Aug 5, 2018

"So, this was the main goal of Today. A hike that took in 5 peaks, Blueberry Cobbles, Mason, Bald Peak, Rocky Peak and finally RPR. It was probably the hottest I have been on any peak on any hike to date, at one point I didn't think we'd make it. I carried a water filter and knew there was a pond near the top. I was very glad of that, because the route up from NY 9 was bone dry !! Anyway, a successful summit for 46er #13 and 29er #18 along the way (Bald Peak). The trail was beautiful, one of the best in the ADKs." — UK-Ranger • Sep 23, 2017

"As I write this 2 days after this magnificent hike, my knees still hurt a little and my right ankle is getting back into shape. This was a fantastic hike. The weather was perfect and even if we were the long weekend, surprisingly they were not that much people on this trail. I guess everybody else went for Mt Marcy. We started around 7h15am my wife and I. we left Montreal around 5h00am so we could beat the border traffic (which we did!). It was such a beautiful hike. The views we get at the different false summit (so many of them) are great. This is definitely one of my favorite hike. Unfortunately I guess I will say this at our next ascent :)" — CPaquin • Sep 2, 2017

"We continued on from the summit of Giant Mountain! We had to figured out time-wise if this was the best decision as we would have to book it in order to get back not too late to our car. We were prepared with headlamps, warm clothing, and enough water/food. Since I had previously climbed Giant a few years back and never had the chance to climb Rocky Peak Ridge because of the thunderstorm that came in, I really desired to get this challenge done. We did just that! We hiked Rocky Peak Ridge in good time. It was beautiful at the summit, and we met a few nice hikers at the top who had come from another direction. We made it back to the junction of Giant, and kept heading down to try to catch as much of the trail back before sunset. We ended up hiking the last hour or so in the dark with out headlamps. It was still nice weather, but we were fairly tired at this point and had to be extra careful of our steps due to fatigue and the dark. Overall I was so thrilled we hiked both peaks this time around, the weather was a wonderful fall day, and we were prepared and no one got injured. Success!" — Flyhighrunfast • Oct 15, 2016

"Since we had two cars this trip, and Giant was in the plan, I suggested we do the RPR traverse. We left the trailhead at around 7 Am, and made great headway up to Giant. I had climbed Giant in the winter, and was now amazed at what I recognized and what had been completely obscured with Ice. I am looking forward to comparing my photos. The descent to RPR was everything that people warned me about, but it wasn't that difficult for us. Especially knowing we wouldn't have to go back up that route. We crested RPR shorty there after for my 18th high peak. The descent down the ridge of RPR was about the most magnificent thing I have seen to date in the mountains. The colors were incredible, that views of the lake, and the mountains below just were vibrant. I could have stayed up there all day taking it in. I was happy that the weather rewarded us, as the previous day we were not so lucky. Each peak held a new view and angle on it all. We reached the lake and saw the wood for what appeared to be a new lean to. That would be one I would like to visit again. It was a journey well worth the day. 10 Hours on the trail, and we finally arrived back at the second c..." — Kazmuglin • Jul 11, 2016

"This was my 5th time up Giant, the goal was Rocky Peak Ridge. I did this back in 1992 along with Giant to celebrate 10 years since I did Giant the 1st time in 1982(My 1st high peak) In 2014 Deb and I went up Giant for her 1st time, we tried to go to Rocky but Deb slipped and hurt her knee so we turned back. Now we needed to do this! A great day, srill some ice on the ground in spots as you headed to the summit and down the east side of Giant. Made the attempt to Rocky a bit tricky." — hbotc • May 14, 2016

"Holy crap!! The col depth between Giant and Rocky Ridge was ridiculous. There was also a 12 foot ice cliff I had to deal with, with a single step. That was difficult. The ridge leading up to Rocky Ridge was thankfully easy. The views were great. On the way back, I followed a couple of 46-R winter finishers. They helped me out with the ice cliff. There was also a new rope that was installed there that was a great help. Great past a couple of days, taking on 5 of the ADK peaks. " — newenglandwarrior • Apr 30, 2016

"Enjoyed a great hike up Rocky and Ginat today with two of our kids. It was warm and dry which made for an easy hike and also afforded us some excellent views from the trail and both summits. Our first visit to Rocky was in a white out so it was amazing to see the views we missed. Over all the hike is just over 8.0 miles round trip and was very enjoyable." — deb-and-rob • Sep 27, 2015

"Hiked with Tommy, headed over from Giant. Pretty steep ascent getting over here & back, a real huff-and-puffer for me. My 5th 46'er! Awesome views and less biting wind at the summit." — kellieirene • Mar 18, 2015

"Last stop of the day before heading back down to ML Pond at around 4K' for the night to set up camp and hike out the following morning. Great weather and views the whole way, then got socked in by the clouds as we made our summit push :(. Great hike all together. " — MooseHiker • Jun 14, 2014

"Skies cleared after descending to col for Giant. Summit was full of moss and vegetation. Particularly awesome views towards Dix Wilderness and valley underneath. Giant Washbowl and Maries Louise Pond were also noteworthy. " — Amerikaywave • Jun 23, 2013

"Our first High Peaks winter hike and by far our most aggressive winter hike yet. Total mileage is ~11.7 (includes Giant and Rocky Peak summits as well Bald, Blueberry Cobbles, Mason and several unnamed summits along the ridge hike on the descent to the Rt 9N parking area. An amazing, beautiful hike - took us roughly 12 hours.<br><br>Hit trail just before sunrise and the initial walk up was in low light but we were treated to a sunrise. Some of the exposed areas were a bit tough with the snow and ice but the climb was great. At the summit it was starting to cloud up but the views were still good. Then down to RPR where the storms really came in and we had a white out with heavy snow fall rates and winds.<br><br>This log includes only mileage from Giant/RPR junction to Rt 9N trailhead parking" — deb-and-rob • Mar 16, 2013

"5th ADK High Peak. We departed from the Garden Parking area where we were lucky enough to find a parking spot since we were told the shuttle wasn't operating/running yet for the season. On ascent we took the trail via the Brothers which provided for some great, wide open views (espcially the first brother!). One descent we took the John Brook Valley Trail which did not provide for as many views/scenery. This trail was wooded, quiet and peaceful however. The trail on ascent becomes significantly steeper near the summit A series of wooden ladders is present to assist with ascent. Black bugs were out in full force again! We were able to gain a great view of the Great Range from the summit! The original Colvin Benchmark was found. Highlights: View from the First Brother (360 degree view) and extended view of Great Range on Summit. Seeing original Colvin Bolt/Benchmark" — elizabethsweet • Jun 10, 2012

"Long & challenging hike with almost half the trail in the open. Views abound at almost every turn in the trail. Unfortunately, I neglected to bring enough water & ended up a little dehydrated by the end." — billsussdorff • Jul 12, 1993

"Albany ADK trip led by Don Berens. Mostly bushwhacking up, decided to also bushwhack down, but we encountered some impossible ledges which required climbing steeply back up and finding another way down. It was dark and snowing when we finally reached Rt. 73. We waited for drivers to hike back to cars on 9. It took a long time because one car wouldn't start. I was using instep crampons for practically the first time and I slid 20 or 30 feet down the mountain before jamming my feet against a rock. Everyone told me that they expected to be carrying me out and aborting the trip, so they were relieved that I wasn't even hurt. The experience taught me how to use my crampons and also that I was slower than most other ADK hikers. Don and other climbers were so good to me. My favorite part of the day was posing on Rocky Peak's summit, braced on both sides by a couple of the guys to keep me from being blown off the top!" — barbaratraver • Nov 16, 1985