Primary Route
Ridge Trail / Zander Scott to Giant and Rocky
Standard Route
Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge form one of the Adirondacks’ most scenic ridge pairings, linking Giant’s steep Chapel Pond climb with the deep col, open ridge, and hard return climb to Rocky Peak Ridge.
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Route map
Ridge Trail / Zander Scott to Giant and Rocky
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Selected Route GPX
Planning use
Use the route line and GPX as planning aids. Carry a physical map and verify current official conditions before relying on any route.
Open the Interactive 46 High Peaks MapRoute History
Giant was historically known as Giant of the Valley, and early survey history around the peak reaches back to Charles C. Brodhead and a June 1797 ascent made in deep snow. Rocky Peak Ridge has its own story: the Rocky Peak name appeared on federal maps by the 1890s, an earlier trail was lost to fire, and the current route was cut in the late 1960s. Fires in 1903 and 1913 also helped shape the open, exposed character that makes Rocky Peak Ridge feel so different from many wooded High Peaks.
Route Options
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New Russia traverse / reverse
Looking for the long ridge version? Use the traverse option to see the New Russia approach over Rocky Peak Ridge and Giant.
Route Overview
Ridge Trail / Zander Scott to Giant and Rocky
This primary route climbs the exposed Ridge / Zander Scott Trail from Chapel Pond to Giant, continues across the col to Rocky Peak Ridge, then returns over Giant and descends the same way.
Selected Route Access
Start at the Zander Scott / Giant Mountain Ridge Trailhead across from Chapel Pond. This is the most direct and most scenic standard route for combining Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge.
Selected Route Caution
The Ridge Trail is steep, rocky, and exposed in places, and adding Rocky Peak Ridge turns the day into a much bigger out-and-back than Giant alone. Save energy for the descent, the reclimb, and the long return over Giant.
Selected Route Guidance
Full guide collapsed for quick scanning. 11 sections available.