Tag:surface=rocks

This feature has been labeled as deprecated. The recommended replacement is: natural=bare_rock or surface=rock.
The reason is documented in Deprecated features. You are still free to continue to use or interpret this tag as you see fit since OpenStreetMap does not have “banned features”.
Under no circumstances should you (semi-)automatically change “deprecated” tags to something else in the database on a large scale without conforming to the automated edits code of conduct. Any such change will be reverted.

This tag is deprecated. Please don't use it!

This tag was never really widely used, discussed or proposed. All known possible meanings have a good replacements.

Consideratons

Consider using surface=rock for exposed rock is typically appearing on mountainous trails

For surface of small crushed rock fragments surface=gravel will be more fitting.

Areas of exposed bedrock are tagged with natural=bare_rock.

Processed natural stone can be used to create surface=unhewn_cobblestone, surface=sett and surface=paving_stones surfaces.

Natural rock, with nearly no processing used to pave a mountainous path. The best tagging of that is likely highway=steps + surface=rock

Natural rock, with nearly no processing used to pave a mountainous path. Probably best taggged as highway=path surface=rock