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4,420 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Rocky Peak Ridge

Rocky Peak Ridge is a 4,420 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Via Ridge Trail: 8 mi, 4,376 ft of gain, Class 2.

Rocky Peak Ridge in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Rocky Peak Ridge at a glance

  • Elevation4,420 ft1,347 m
  • RouteVia Ridge TrailClass 2
  • Distance8 mi4,376 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Via Ridge Trail

From Route 73 near Chapel Pond, New York, Rocky Peak Ridge is usually climbed over Giant Mountain, or via the long New Russia approach from the east. Both routes are steep and rocky with open ledges and excellent views. The exposed ridge catches wind and afternoon storms, and ledges are slick when wet. The Giant traverse makes for a strenuous day with lots of gain. Carry ample water since the ridge is dry, and start early to beat the weather.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (20–30 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Headlamp
  • Power Bank
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Low visibility
  • Slippery terrain

Rocky Peak Ridge on Yak

Climbers have shared 8 climbs of Rocky Peak Ridge on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

Quests with Rocky Peak Ridge

Peaks near Rocky Peak Ridge

  1. Giant Mountain

    Giant Mountain

    4,627 ft · 0.9 mi away

  2. Dial Mountain

    Dial Mountain

    4,020 ft · 5.6 mi away

  3. Lower Wolfjaw Mountain

    Lower Wolfjaw Mountain

    4,175 ft · 6.3 mi away

  4. Dix Mountain

    Dix Mountain

    4,857 ft · 6.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Rocky Peak Ridge?

Rocky Peak Ridge is 4,420 feet (1,347 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Rocky Peak Ridge rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 4,420 feet, Rocky Peak Ridge is the 20th highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to hike Rocky Peak Ridge?

The Via Ridge Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 8 miles with 4,376 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Rocky Peak Ridge?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Via Ridge Trail, covering 8 miles with 4,376 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Rocky Peak Ridge?

The Via Ridge Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 8 miles with 4,376 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Rocky Peak Ridge?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Rocky Peak Ridge?

The Via Ridge Trail starts at about 1,620 feet, roughly 2,800 feet below the summit.

Climb Rocky Peak Ridge with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list