Hike Ryan Mountain
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
There is absolutely no shade on this trail once you leave the base — on days above 85 degrees, the exposed rock amplifies the heat significantly, and heat exhaustion cases are common here in late spring and early fall.
The descent is harder on the knees than the climb, and loose gravel on steep sections makes slipping a real possibility — trekking poles or sturdy-soled boots make a noticeable difference.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start by 7 a.m. in spring and fall to beat both the heat and the crowds — the small parking lot at the Park Boulevard trailhead fills by mid-morning on weekends, and there's no overflow.
Bring at least two liters of water per person even though it's only three miles round trip — the exposed granite radiates heat and you'll drink more than you expect on the climb.
The summit has a USGS marker and a natural rock windbreak on the north side — tuck in there for lunch and face south for the best photography light in the morning, when the Wonderland of Rocks casts long shadows across the valley.
Photos
NPS / Alison Taggart-Barone
