Several newly built switchbacks bypassed a badly eroded section before we came up on several exposed slabs. The trail climbed at a nice pace before we came up to a bit of an oddity. There was a junction with a sign giving two choices: To go over the bump (a pointless up and down) or go around. We chose “go around” which obviously most people do!. 
 

Our first summit was Giant which was .2 miles up from the junction of the Rocky peak ridge col trail. The views were a bit hazy but otherwise awesome. We had a bit of a snack and enjoyed the views for about 10 minutes all the while being eaten by the hungry blood sucking insects before descending to teh junction and heading into the col to Rocky Peak.

This col sucked for descending. poor footing and steep pitches dominated the trail. My feet were thoroughly tenderized from the 16 mile trek in the Sewards the day before so it was a bit of a pain heading down. The easy moderate grade up Rocky Peak was a pleasant change of pace, it didnt feel like a long time to ascend the 600+ feet to the summit.

We were greeted by more stunning views of the Adirondacks, and some very hazy/rainy views of Vermont. The main ridge through Vermont could barely be seen. The bugs up there were worse than Giant (we were warned by a group heading the opposite direction!). There was a big square cairn on top, but no benchmark!

The descent into the col was harmlessly tame, and the ascent back up to Giant was easier than the descent. It is important to note that I was constantly scoffing at the fact that there was no bypass trail or herd path cutting off the summit of giant from the descent (in other words to get back to our cars we had to climb back up Giant). On the descent it became very apparent why there no such trail existed... because there was a gigantic open rock face blocking off any possible path! Good thing we didn't entertain the thought of a bushwhack! that would have been most unpleasant!

The descent down giant was quick, it took 2.5 hours to climb and took 2 hours to descend. Huiyeng gets the award for accurately estimating how long it would take to descend. She was dead on -- cause we got back to our cars at 4:30, exactly when she predicted! (we wont discuss my prediction, it was way off!)

Great hike with great company! What an amazing mountain with amazing views. The giant rock faces and bowl kinda reminded me of the Gothics.