Giant + Rocky Peak Ridge + Bald Peak Traverse

Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge (RPR) to New Russia where I got picked up. My first drop off and pick me up somewhere else kind of hike. It was a little intimidating. Unfortunately it was raining all weekend and this was my only chance for nice weather. Meant the trails were all mud and wet - I was slipping and sliding everywhere. I also think this is the most elevation I’ve done in a day. It was really hot. Especially on the ridge. I packed 4 liters of water. And filtered another liter from a brook.

Giant was the miserable part, it was so wet and slick and muddy on the descent. Was sliding all the way down. I was *really* glad I had a one way hike, some poor hikers were climbing back up and looked miserable. RPR was beautiful, loved it. But the ridge was very hot, I think upwards of 90s, low humidity at least. The way back down the other side I found a brook and filtered and just cooled off for a bit.

The little lake was completely flooded and I had to wade through. I didn’t see any animals really, though lots of beaver signs. Didn’t matter much because my feet were already soaked from the trails. If it wasn’t a scramble it was hiking in a stream.

Saw 3-4 groups of people. Met a girl going to school for earth sciences from the area, but she hasn’t really done any 46ers. Met another couple who have done 100s he said. Lives in the area, retired, etc. They were in great shape and sped up the trails, I was jealous. Definitely sucking air. They came over to RPR with me.

One of my favorite parts was being able to see the full traverse that I was heading towards. From Giant (above) you can see Rocky Peak Ridge (center frame, the rocky…peak…), and then down to Bald Peak (left and lower) and beyond.

The RPR climb was nice. I also really liked the birch meadow between RPR and bald peak. But the slog of the last 3 miles was really tough. My knees and ankles were shot. It was a really tough day. Especially with some the higher exposure slabs. Just trying to really dial in and be careful.