Rose Peak

My sister & I started out early in anticipation of a long day.  Unfortunately, the gate to the Sailor Camp trailhead was not opening until 8 or 8:30 (we were there at 7:00) so we drove around and found the Welch Creek Road trailhead.  We were the first ones (and possibly the only ones all day) there.  This was in May so the temperature in the morning was pleasantly cool and even in the afternoon, the heat wasn’t too bad.  The trail was dry, most of the area was green and there were lots of wildflowers.  It was a beautiful time to go.  Other than almost stepping on a snake on the dirt path, the hike was mostly uneventful.  We saw only 3 other people, one of which was a fellow six-packer.  🙂

As others have noted, the peak had no sign or designation.  You just kind of knew you had reached it.  The 360-degree view was spectacular.  We had lunch up there with no shade and surrounded by butterflies.  We then began our long, exposed descent.  It took us all day.  Because of the length of this hike, I consider this the toughest hike so far. I’ve got Diablo & St. Helena left.