Whenever I headed east towards Leavenworth area, I always passed the rock mountain trailhead sign on Hwy 2. Decided to go for it today after reading a couple of trip reports.

Started at around 10 AM which was super late considering this trail was mostly exposed to the sun. Trail was mostly dry, a bit brushy in places and I counted 3 old blowdowns to go over and under. Lots of wildflowers bloomed along the trail. It was scorching hot to the point that I was exhausted and almost finished my 3L water when I was above the treeline. Those 90ish switchbacks felt like switchbacks inferno.

Good thing I was able to get more water from the trail at around 5,900ft as snow was melting fast and water was literally flowing down the trail.

Snow became more consistent after 5,900ft. I tried my best to stay on the summer trail but decided to go straight up on certain sections as snow was pretty decent for kicking steps.

Although there were still lingering snow and cornices on the ridge, the summit was snow free. Rock lake looked almost thawed and the view of surrounding peaks was gorgeous. Only met 1 person on the trail all day and I had the summit to myself.

Took me a little over 6 hours to do this hike. 4 hours up and 2 hours down. Because of the heat, I think this trail is better to do in the spring or in the fall, especially when the fall colors pop out.

Brought ice axe, spikes, helmet and poles and used only poles. 

Stats: 8.3mi RT, 6:18 total time

Definitely a good training hike as feels almost vertical at times gaining more than 1000 feet per mile once you get off the short service road. Beautiful wildflowers at the bottom. Mostly exposed with only a few trees for shade.  Snow patches started at 5400 feet and by 5700 feet was mostly a snowfield and I kept losing the trail. A few spots were not flat enough for my liking with only poles and was post holing on the warm day so turned back around 5700 feet.  Would definitely try again later in the summer once snow melts out better. 

I had never heard of this peak until a friend of mine did it last week. It seemed like a solid day out, and I wanted something new, so I took my doggo and off we went. As others have mentioned the short pull-off from hwy 2 can be a bit rough for anything low clearance. Parking is small and can probably manage only a handful of cars. No worries for us today because we were the only ones there at 715am 😂

The trail starts on a decommissioned forest road and then goes into what feels like 100 steep switchbacks up this mountain side. Eventually we hit snow patches after the switchback segment, when it goes straight through the forest for some time. Got some much needed shade here, as the switchbacks are largely exposed to the sun. Navigated some awkward spring snowfields and joyful post-holing, until total snow coverage around the 3 mile mark. Once you get to the point where you can see the ridge traverse to the peak, it becomes obvious you have to take the longest way possible to avoid the cornices. Though I believe the summer trail goes this same way anyways. Once at the ridge, I gave the cornices a wide berth which was awkward with the terrain at times. Eventually we made it to the peak and were rewarded with beautiful views, thousands of convergent lady bugs, and some super annoying flying ants. Bug spray recommended for the flying ants, or whatever they were.

We headed back down around 1045am as the temps were steadily increasing. By the time we hit the switchbacks again it was really warm in the direct sun, and I was wearing long pants and a long sleeved shirt because my friend got a tick bite, as did his dog, last week here. I did not find any ticks on my dog or I, but boy was it warm in those clothes 😂

Got back to the car, which was still the only one in the lot.

Gear used: microspikes and hiking poles. Brought snowshoes but didn’t use them. An ice axe may be handy for some on the steep snow sections, though I can be a bit of a weenie myself and didn’t bring one and felt fine without it. GPS used for route-finding in the snow.

There is no toilet at the trailhead either, so make sure to stop somewhere beforehand if needed!

The trailhead is confusing. First, there is a very steep incline off the highway, with potholes and loose gravel. I did it in a sedan on the second try with enough momentum. Immediately, there is what looks like a turnaround area, just a widening in the road, with room for maybe one car. Park there, near the trail sign and registration box. I mistakenly went farther up the road, scraping bottom on large rocks. The powerline access road splits, and you want to take the sharp left on foot. I parked in a turnaround 100' up on the right fork.

I was unable to finish this hike due to my dog's getting lost, so I had all of the work with none of the payoffs! I was able to do the first 2,000 feet of elevation gain on those 90 switchbacks before turning around and let me say this was one of the steepest trails I've ever done. It is breathtakingly steep, most suitable for mountain goats! At times there is a clear line of sight back down to the highway, and it feels almost like you are looking straight down. Not for the faint of heart, or those afraid of heights. It was easy to lose balance just by looking up the mountain. I was not looking forward to the descent, but my dog was found at the bottom and I needed to get down quickly, and it wasn't as bad going down as I had imagined. I might try Rock Mountain again, but from the Snowy Creek side.

Started the hike at 8am, with just 1 other car in the parking area.  Low clearance subarus were in the parking area later, so with some care it's not too difficult to get parked.

The tread is puffy as expected with a few spots where you really do need to watch your step.  A fall would be bad and pretty far.  I did this hike a few years ago and remembered it was really brushy.  Not so bad today.  In an attempt to increase my trail karma I brought my garden shears and cut a lot of stuff on the way up and down.

Once I crested the saddle where you can look down and see Rock Lake, I assessed the rest of the route.  Slow and steady, I made my way up the switchbacks to gain the ridge that runs up to Rock.  Saw a few shy marmots!  The way up to the summit looks imposing, but the trail is actually nicely graded and well switchbacked.  Soon I was at the top for lunch.  Lots of buzz-bomb bugs at the top.  I think they are beetles but not sure.  Scary looking.

The way down was pretty quick and the lower, exposed section was as hot and terrible as expected.

Drank almost 3 liters of water and a thermos of coffee.  Sunscreened 3x which is unheard of for me.