Phantom Creek Trail

Trail to Mystic Lake (7600') covers ~3 miles and ~1300' in elevation gain. Hike down to Mystic Lake to meet up with Phantom Creek Trail, turning left at cairn. Follow trail to "Switchbacks from Hell" (26 total, gaining ~2500' in <3 miles) to massive cairn above treeline. Continue upward to Froze-to-Death Plateau, a gradually sloping plateau ranging from 10,500' - 12,000'. Traverse FTD Plateau (route finding is difficult in barren area as no dedicated trail exists) to highcamp west of Tempest Mountain (~11,600').  As of 2020, there are plenty of cairns to follow the along the plateau, staying left of all the high, rocky peaks along the way to basecamp.

One can also start from the East Rosebud side of the FTD plateau.  Start at the Phantom Creek TH just north of East Rosebud Lake, and hike the gradual trail leading to the pass.  You gain about 4,000 feet in about 6.5 miles, and then follow the beta above to get to Granite Peak. This trail gains about 500 more in elevation, but doens't go up any "switchbacks from hell" !!

Climb above highcamp to crest near large rock/wind shelters. Descend to saddle; class 3/4 scramble up other side staying just left of and high on ridge line. Cross snow/dirt bridge and begin climbing chimneys to another ridge. Slight downclimb/scramble towards final face. Class 4/5 moves up towards "keyhole" after which you'll see the summit block. A half dozen or more rap stations for quicker decsent can be found all the way back to the snow bridge.

some extra webbing/slings to set up belay across some highly exposed areas (if desired), and to back up anchors for rappel