Rose Peak Redemption! I first attempted Rose Peak in mid May and I made it about 80% of the way to the top before turning around (shortly past final gate before Doe Canyon Horse Camp just under 2 miles from Summit). A few factors resulted in a Do Not Finish: I was a little under the weather recovering from illness, I got a bit of a late start and didn't want to be on unfamiliar trails in the dark, it was a little hot for me, I got a little too much sun, I didn’t get enough electrolytes in early, my pack was a bit heavy, etc. etc.
I re-attempted on the Sunday of the Memorial Day Weekend (Sun May 28). Bullets below:
Route: Del Valle to Rose Peak and back
Start: Shortly after 7:00 am from Park in West Beach Parking Lot near Rocky Ridge Visitor Center and Restroom (Sailor Camp Trail)
Finish: Shortly after 8:00 pm
Time: 12h55m (am much more tortoise than hare)
Distance: 19.76 Miles main trail, appox 2 miles of side excursions for a total approx. 22 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 5,522 ft gain / 5,515 ft loss
Conditions: Good overall. Cooler late May day with cloud cover. Still sweaty work.
Temperature: High of 68 F, Low of 56 F, Avg Daily Temp 60.32 F
Wind: Light wind, not noticeable most of the day except on exposed ridges:
Hydration: Pre hydrated. Packed approx 4L to start. Filtered and drank an additional 4.2L. Avg 600+ ml per hour, 1 gatorlyte, 2 sachets ORS Drip Drop
Hyrdation Points I filled at: Stromer Spring, Indian Creek (water needs to be treated)
Trail: Good condition overall
Insects: Some flies near cattle, creek and summit. Some heavy buzzing dive bombing little bastards throughout. Noticeable but not too bad.
Food: Snacks and a light lunch.
View from the top is great. There is a geo cache box at the top. Was mostly solo on the trail. Overlapped with a group of 5-6 on the way down. Great and challenging day.
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