Union Peak
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The summit scramble involves loose, unstable volcanic rock with some exposure — a fall here could be serious. Take your time and test each handhold before committing your weight.
There is zero water along this trail and zero shade on the upper half. Carry at least three liters per person on warm days — dehydration at altitude sneaks up fast.
Snow can linger on the upper reaches well into July, obscuring the trail. If you're hiking early season, bring a GPS track or map — route-finding through patchy snow on volcanic terrain is no joke.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start early — not for crowds (you won't find them here) but because afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast over exposed volcanic terrain, and you don't want to be on that summit when lightning arrives.
Trekking poles earn their weight on the descent, where loose pumice and volcanic scree turn the final mile into a slip-and-slide. Gaiters help keep the fine volcanic grit out of your boots.
The pumice meadows about two-thirds of the way up are a hidden photography goldmine in late July and August — alpine wildflowers against a backdrop of volcanic peaks with almost no one around to photo-bomb you.
