Rocky Peak Ridge

Giant is one of those mountains that draws a crowd. It is "only" 3 miles from the road to the top. It is however an elevation gain of 3000ft. A lot of the climb is on open rock so when you stop for a rest you get to enjoy the view which keeps getting better the higher you go. About a quarter mile before the top you reach the 1.1 mile trail to Rocky Peak Ridge which descends sharply about 800 ft to a col and then rises on a more gentle grade for 500 ft to Rocky Peak Ridge.

The reward for this effort (beside check another of the list) is a larger and open summit with a lot less people and the same view with the addition of Giant up close. For most of the time I was there it was just me and a couple who were traversing along the ridge to another road where they had left a second car. As I made my way back to Giant I passed a steady stream of hikers complaining about the crowds atop Giant. Ironically when I got back to Giant there were only two others there!

The walk down seemed to take forever and for sure it took longer than the hike up. As a reward there is a beautiful pond across the road where one can take a swim or at least cool off sore and acheing feet. All in all, a great day.