The trail was in great shape, though we’re well past wildflower season that low down. Everything is beautifully green, which was nice given things on the other side of the Sound are starting to look pretty thirsty.

We made it up to the start of the rope section but bailed after seeing folks unwilling to wait to go up in turns. Even if you aren’t willing to do the ropes, it’s worth going the few hundred extra feet past the end of the maintained trail for the westward view of the lake.

From the TH to the sign indicating “End of maintained trail”, we were on a pretty good incline the whole time. My legs were jello even though we how pretty regularly. I will say the trail itself is well maintained but not super exciting honestly. Once we reached the end, the decision to continue to the rope section was made. There were lots of wet sweaty gloves available and I highly recommend using some with full coverage for the way down. The rope sections themselves are not too too spooky. The only issue is when people don’t respect a 1-at-a-time rhythm because a couple rope switch offs don’t have standing room for more than one person so that was frustrating. After the ropes (probably took 10 min) there a narrow ridge to climb. This was scariest for me but totally doable if you don’t have an incredible fear of heights. Not a lot of room to hang at the top and a lot of bees, so took pictures and headed down. Overall about 4 hours including lunch break and waiting in line for ropes! Would definitely recommend even on a cloudy day like we had.

Amazing and very steep. Was a constant incline. Path was clear and easy to navigate for most of it. Narrow for the most part, so passing others was tricky. I consider myself fit and I feel it was closer to hard than moderate.

Got to the parking lot a little after 7Am with plenty of space. Bathrooms were clean. We leaped frogged over a few parties of 2 or 3 but otherwise trail felt relatively empty until the ropes. Definitely recommend bringing gloves. Not because you NEED them but it just makes your experience a lot more enjoyable.

Up top was moderately crowded. Most ppl were being respectful to take their pictures and get out of the way but others not so much. Pro tip: don’t be the annoying ppl sitting in the only “safe” space where the line of traffic is so everyone has to move around you.

Way down was wayyyy more crowded. Took us just as long to go down as it did up due to holds up at the ropes and constantly moving over for the uphill hikers

Absolutely beautiful day for the hike. Arrived at the Storm King Ranger Station Peking lot around 10am and there where will a few spots open there as well as in the overflow (this is not common on sunny weekends). The trails was clear and as well maintained as such a vertical climb can be (1000 foot gain per mile). Sun was out with nothing more than a light breeze until we reached the first viewpoint. Wind kicked up just a bit but was more refreshing than anything else. Saw lots of butterflies and a baby rabbit on our way to the top. Once we reached the ropes things slowed down a bit at one of our company became too afraid to finish the rope section and I had to guide them down. Of note: this is a somewhat technical section and hikers would do well to remember that safety is always more important than views or your hike time. Trying to rush someone when they do not feel safe simply because you don’t want to wait is not only appalling etiquette it is downright dangerous. If you want this hike to yourself, go very early or on a week day as it is highly accessible and the trail is narrow in many places making passing up/down tight, and the ridge line and rope section can become backlogged.