Rose Peak is definitely a challenging one. Not only is it long, but there are lots of steep inclines. We were fortunate to have a windy cool day; if it had been much warmer, this hike would be orders of magnitude more difficult. No matter when you hike Rose Peak, bring plenty of water and snacks.
There are two main “pushes” that you have to make on the trail. The first starts almost immediately from the parking lot to the 2mi point, climbing to 1,495′. After this point, the trail descends for almost 1mi, then the second “push” starts. This climb will last 6.3mi until for ~2,575′ ending at the peak.
I recommend picking up a trail map when you enter the park. There are many side trails that can add miles to your hike (as if 20mi. were not enough). The trails are generally well marked, but unfortunately people have vandalized some of the trail posts and removed many of the markers from the posts. I guess they take them for souvenirs?
Coincidentally, we hiked the same day of the Ohlone Wilderness 50K, so it was easy to follow the trail. The run organizers had put up tape and arrows directing the way from Rose Peak to Del Valle Lake parking lot. We just hiked it in reverse.
All in all this is a very rewarding hike. The scenery is beautiful and the trail is well maintained. You will have a sense of accomplishment after this one.
Responses
Technically, a trail map is your permit (required in the Ohlone Wilderness). Glad it was a little cooler — it’s going to get hotter as summer approaches.
Yeah, when we paid our parking fees they didnt give us a trail map. No sure why. We told them we were hiking the peak. Its really a shame that people have stolen the trail makers of the posts.