[azbackpackr]

As many of you know, Mt. Baldy access is limited right now due to the paving of Hwy. 273. Here is the latest information from the Forest Service:

The West Baldy (Sheep's Crossing) trailhead will be CLOSED all summer. The East Baldy (Phelp's Cabin) trailhead, which also includes the Crossover Trail, will be open every Thursday at 6 p.m. until Monday at 6 a.m. throughout the summer. Therefore, weekend backpacking trips are possible. West Baldy Trail is accessible via the 3 and one half mile Crossover Trail, which begins at the same TH as the East Baldy Trail, or you can do the up and over loop hike, returning to your car via the Crossover.

To access Mt. Baldy take Hwy 260 from Pinetop almost all the way to Eagar. Turn right (south) just outside of Eagar on the Big Lake Highway, Hwy. 261. Follow this paved road up the mtn. for about 20 miles until it ends, coming to a T at Hwy 273. Turn right, go about 5 or 6 miles to the East Baldy Trailhead, which is signed, and is on the left. Follow this bumpy dirt road about a quarter mile to a deadend and the trailhead.