West Baldy Trail #94 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

East Baldy Trail #95 to Hoodoo Overlook

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Did a big clockwise loop of Mt Baldy from my campsite at Winn Campground. Have not been up on Baldy in a very long time and it was delightful to be back. Moved well all day and had a great time. chilled on the white man summit for a while and at some other spots just taking in the day. Lot of downed trees on the upper parts of both east and west baldy but otherwise smooth sailing. filtered some water along west baldy a couple times so i could travel lightly. really lovely day

they closed the springerville district on me while i was out there. did not see that one coming so had to make alternate plans for the next day but it was fine

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Sep 21 2024

mikemcg

Guides 2
Routes 127
Photos 1,478
Triplogs 129

male

Joined May 07 2019
Tempe, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Sep 21 2024
		mikemcg • Triplogs 129

Hiking	18.71 Miles	2,836 AEG

Hiking	18.71 Miles	9 Hrs 22 Mns	2.30 mph
	2,836 ft AEG	1 Hour 14 Mns Break

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Second time doing this loop, including the summit. We contacted the Office of the Chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe several weeks ahead of time to obtain permission to go to the summit.

We started at the East Baldy trailhead, and went clockwise. The ascent felt like it went by fairly quickly, as we were enjoying the views and vibes the whole way. Spent some time playing and climbing in the rock garden. Further up is an amazing lookout point, and we spent some time awestruck by the views. At 10800 feet, the trail flattens out, and the 2 avid mushroom afficionados in our group were excitedly looking at all the large mushrooms just off the trail and explaining the unique qualities of each one. Apparently there had been a huge mushroom hunt the week before, but there were still many along the trail. Next we encountered the prolific raspberry bushes, and we all enjoyed the berries.

We reached the turnoff toward the summit, but the sign announcing that only tribal members may proceed was no longer there. We encountered a member of the tribe, and after he checked for our permit, he accompanied us most of the way to the peak. There were many people at the summit, and a large group was leaving as we arrived. Most were members of the Apache tribe, while some were non tribal members who worked for the tribe in Whiteriver. It was very peaceful and quiet, despite the large number of people, as most people appeared to be enjoying the views, contemplating, or conversing quietly. We spent some time taking in the views in all directions, then headed back down.

The upper third of the West Baldy trail was forgettable, with numerous dead and downed trees. Eventually we reached the river and the meadows, which were beautiful. We then took the crossover trail, which had more of an ascent than I remembered. The trees and meadows were very peaceful and pleasant, but this part felt like it proceeded more slowly than the other sections of the loop. We eventually reached the East Baldy Trail and returned to the car.

Overall this is one of my favorite hikes of all time. It was a beautiful day, with perfect temperatures (40s-70s over the course of the day). Most of the loop is exceptionally picturesque, except for the stretch of dead/downed trees along the upper part of the West Baldy Trail. The summit feels like a special place. The views are remarkable, especially at the summit and at the flat lookout area near the top of the East Baldy Trail. The river, rock garden, and raspberries made the experience even better. We encountered very few people the entire day except for the tribe members at the summit. Definitely will do this more often.

Finally, it turned out that we had randomly picked the last possible day that we could be allowed to go on this adventure, as most of the White Mountains were to be closed down that evening for the next 2 weeks so that George Strait and his posse could go on their annual elk hunt in the White Mountains. In fact, when we were at the summit, we were advised to evacuate the mountain before sunset to avoid being shot by Mr. Strait or his crew. Yes, apparently that's a thing.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mount Baldy

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

10 archives

Sep 02 2024

ddgrunning

Guides 3
Routes 632
Photos 8,235
Triplogs 604

54 male

Joined Apr 13 2011
Gilbert, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Sep 02 2024
		ddgrunning • Triplogs 604

Hiking	19.31 Miles	2,892 AEG

Hiking	19.31 Miles	9 Hrs 5 Mns	2.30 mph
	2,892 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

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The White Mountains have always been a glaring hole in my Arizona hiking experience--mostly because they are just a little too far away to make a day trip from Phoenix. Over the Labor Day weekend, we decided to make a trip up on Sunday and spend Labor Day on the trails. Stayed at a motel in Springerville, then got up early and made the 30-ish minute drive to the trailhead.

Very happy to have experienced Mt. Baldy. On the way to the trailhead, we had to stop for a whole family of wild turkey to cross the road.

Baldy is kind of a hidden peak, which was not what I was expecting, given that it's the second highest point in the state outside the San Francisco Peaks. I guess I was expecting a more SF-Peaks-type experience, with the mountains rising sharply from the surrounding landscape. Instead, it was more like: Where's the mountain?

We debated which trailhead to start from and whether to do the "crossover" first or at the end. Ultimately, we elected to start from the East Baldy Trailhead and head counterclockwise, up the mountain first, leaving the crossover to the end. My wife hadn't done any high-mile hikes in a bit, so we decided that doing the uphill on the front end made sense, and then if she wasn't feeling good on the back end, she could just finish off the West Baldy Trail and I'd do the Crossover and then pick her up. Turned out to be a non-issue, as she hiked the whole thing and did great!

We were very happy with our routing choice. We passed by one campsite early on and then one more backpacking campsite on our way up, but didn't see a soul until well into our descent on the West side.

The "rock garden" area on East Baldy is striking and a definite contrast from the mostly forest and meadow hiking to that point. Then, after rounding/ascending the rocks, the trail breaks suddenly into a panoramic view. Super cool. A nice (though dry) camp spot is just beyond the viewpoint.

From there, it became mushroom heaven. Many varieties of mushrooms all along the trail. I've never taken so many pictures of mushrooms, and did not expect them to be a photographic highlight of the hike.

As we made the turn that skirts below the peak proper, we entered the "raspberry zone" and enjoyed foraging.

We came across a few small strawberries as well, but not many.

On the West Baldy side, the views were more expansive, and the meadows, with the west fork of the LCR alongside, stole the show. I can see why the lower portion of this trail is generally quite popular. That said, for a Labor Day, we expected to see more people, but had no complaints about the sparse human presence on the trail.

We stopped and soaked our feet in the creek for a bit--which was refreshing, before tackling the crossover. Based on triplogs, I expected the crossover to be a bit dull, but was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the many meadows and forested areas we crossed through. Surprisingly, this was the part of the trail we encountered the most people on.

Crossing the last large meadow, we spotted a large female elk (we had heard some bugling earlier along the trail), which was a nice way to end the hike.

On my route, I flagged the Rock Garden, the Viewpoint on top of the rocks, the "berry zones," and a couple of nice campsites.

The drive back to Phoenix was long after a 19-miler, but the expected traffic jam of holiday weekend returnees never materialized.

Now, to figure out my next White Mountains destination. Taking suggestions ....

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] West Fork LCR - Upper Tributary

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2 archives

Sep 01 2024

emilystardust

Routes 386
Photos 49
Triplogs 792

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Sep 01 2024
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	13.77 Miles	1,855 AEG

Hiking	13.77 Miles	6 Hrs 20 Mns	2.30 mph
	1,855 ft AEG	20 Mns Break

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Aug 10 2024

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Aug 10 2024
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	16.40 Miles	2,850 AEG

Hiking	16.40 Miles	7 Hrs 1 Min	2.68 mph
	2,850 ft AEG	54 Mns Break

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	BiFrost	Jaxbe22
	John9L

In my continuing quest to avoid crossing paths with @jacobemerick on a hiking trail this summer, I set out for a part of the state with daytime temperatures under 115. ;)

It was a forecast down day in the monsoon with little chance of storms so we enjoyed not having to race the typical buildup over the peaks and those uncomfortable flash-bangs that are so common this time of year.

Instead, as the climb progressed and the oxygen thinned, it was enjoyable to take foraging breaks, enjoying the plentiful and amazingly delicious wild strawberries that line the hillsides along North Baldy 94. The raspberries were even more plentiful than the strawberries and their bitterness provided a nice balance to the sweetness of the strawberries. Oh yeah, and there was hiking in between snack breaks.

Once on the way up and again on the way down, I spotted large reflective pieces of the plane wreckage that do not seem to be the one wing piece easily seen adjacent to the trail. I couldn't place exactly where I should look for this additional mountain metal.

The hoodoo area along South Baldy 95 is always fun to cruise through on the descent. Sometime I'd like to do just that hike and explore more in that area with all the little caves and crevasses that you don't see from the trail.

Not much excitement on the trail itself, but over the weekend of camping nearby, enjoyed wildlife sightings of elk, deer, coyote, turkey, osprey, and pronghorn. So that was cool!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Wild Strawberry

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Aug 10 2024

BiFrost

Guides 4
Routes 491
Photos 10,890
Triplogs 1,257

55 male

Joined Nov 20 2012
Phoenix, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Aug 10 2024
		BiFrost • Triplogs 1,257

Hiking	16.40 Miles	2,850 AEG

Hiking	16.40 Miles	7 Hrs 1 Min	2.68 mph
	2,850 ft AEG	54 Mns Break

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	chumley	Jaxbe22
	John9L

Spent the weekend in the White Mountains so why not hike Baldy. We dropped a vehicle at East Baldy TH and then drove to West Baldy for the hike. Kept a decent pace on the hike only slowing down for some very nice raspberry/strawberry patches dispersed along the way. It was a good reason to slow the pace and just enjoy the hike that much more. Weather was pretty much perfect.

A break mid hike and we continued back down East Baldy stopping at the rocky section and slowed a bit for the hoodoo's. After that we cruised to the TH to finish off the 16 mile loop.

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1 archive

Jul 05 2024

Mike_W

Guides 104
Routes 256
Photos 16,118
Triplogs 528

53 male

Joined Dec 30 2005
Tucson, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jul 05 2024
		Mike_W • Triplogs 528

Hiking	17.11 Miles	2,419 AEG

Hiking	17.11 Miles	8 Hrs 30 Mns	2.01 mph
	2,419 ft AEG

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Brian and I found a nice camping spot the night before near FSR 237 A which had reliable cell service. Note: The US topo map shows FSR 273 A but the actual sign said FSR 237 A. We believe we had good cell service because we were close enough to the town of Greer, AZ. The West Fork trail #94 ran through our camp area, only a few feet away. We later realized this trail connected with the West Baldy trail, a few miles back.

GPS location of good camping location: 34.001149, -109.473375

Brian and I camped overnight, got up and drove to the East Baldy trail. We left a car at the West Baldy trail so we could hike the "V" without needing to hike the entire loop which would have been 20 miles or more.

We saw many pines, aspen, fir, etc. We noticed there were other GPS routes going up around the 6.5 mile mark, but there didn't seem to be any trail going that way. We also saw a lot of downed trees and the only logical way to go was to continue along the East Baldy trail. We took the East trail to the West trail, and then took that trail up from there.

At the summit, it was a rock pile with no trees and 360 degree views. There was a US survey marker at the high point. We didn't see a registry up there which was a bit surprising.

Flowers/plants seen: Orange-sneezeweed, pansy, blue flax, Rocky Mountain iris, Eaton's penstemon, red columbine, American yellow-rocket, green false hellebore, common cowparsnip, tall bluebells, Crane's bill, common yarrow, graceful cinquefoil, Rocky Mountain penstemon, red elderberry, black currant, giant red indian paintbrush, sanddune wallflower, Aspen daisy, scarlet gilia, Lemmon's spring-parsley, common juniper, slendertube skyrocket (pink)

Stats:
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Distance (round trip) = 17.11 miles
AEG = 2,419 feet
Strava moving time = 6 hrs 58 mins
Strava elapsed time = 10 hrs 31 mins

Wildflowers Observation Light
Orange-sneezeweed, pansy, blue flax, Rocky Mountain iris, Eaton's penstemon, red columbine, American yellow-rocket, green false hellebore, common cowparsnip, tall bluebells, Crane's bill, common yarrow, graceful cinquefoil, Rocky Mountain penstemon, red elderberry, black currant, giant red indian paintbrush, sanddune wallflower, Aspen daisy, scarlet gilia, Lemmon's spring-parsley, common juniper, slendertube skyrocket (pink)

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Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
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Oct 31 2023

GrangerGuy

Guides 34
Routes 138
Photos 931
Triplogs 111

68 male

Joined Dec 26 2018
Phoenix, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Oct 31 2023
		GrangerGuy • Triplogs 111

Hiking	17.34 Miles	2,610 AEG

Hiking	17.34 Miles	10 Hrs 30 Mns		2.04 mph
	2,610 ft AEG	2 Hrs Break	15 LBS Pack

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My Halloween hike was the Baldy Loop, about 17-18 miles. Usually I have a song in my head while I’m hiking to move me along. Today the lyrics were, “Out from his coffin Drac’s voice did ring; seems he was troubled by just one thing…” When I started at first light, it was 14° outside. About 2/3 of the way up the East Baldy Trail, the path crosses a section of Fort Apache Reservation land that seems to have a different trail clearing philosophy. There were quite a few downed trees where the trail just went around them now.

At the trail junction at the top, there is no sign prohibiting going on to the summit, but you have to know this to avoid trespassing on the reservation. I understand it is possible to get a permit from the tribe, but I did not have one, so I headed down. I discovered on my way down that the soles of my boots no longer had street legal tread as I negotiated the fine gravel trail. My mantra on the way down to avoid falling on my butt was, “knees bent, weight forward, poles out front.”

The Crossover Trail junction at the West Baldy Trail is marked only by a bare fence post, no sign. And the crossover trail itself is vague at times. “Use the force, Luke.” I did this loop in 10.5 hours. I have to remember that whatever time is given on HAZ, I need to up it by a third.

Autumn Foliage Observation None
Well past prime. Only a few aspens with any leaves left.

Wildflowers Observation None
One.

	Mount Baldy Spring	Dry	Dry
	No water here.

	West Fork LCR - Upper Tributary	Medium flow	Medium flow
	The creek was flowing cheerfully!

Oct 24 2023

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 989
Photos 12,068
Triplogs 864

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

West Baldy Mountain Trail, AZ

Hiking		Oct 24 2023
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 864

Hiking	11.20 Miles	1,361 AEG

Hiking	11.20 Miles	5 Hrs 45 Mns		1.95 mph
	1,361 ft AEG	1 Min Break	20 LBS Pack

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West Fork LCR - Upper Tributary

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mamakatt22

On our second day in the White Mountains we did the West baldy Mountain Trail. We didn't plan on going to the peak but we did make it up 5.5 miles. At some point we may do the loop using the East and West Baldy Trails. This hike is a very scenic hike along the West fork of the Little Colorado for about 3 miles and then starts an ascent to Baldy. I thought the grade even on the part that was starting the ascent was fairly gradual and easy to keep a 2MPH pace. The old growth forest here is the thing that peaked my interest. The amount of deadfall at 4 miles in was something I was curious about. didn't seem to be fire maybe it was disease or was it a very large micro burst.

The trail is in great condition with a few dead falls along the upper end of the hike. Saw about 5 people on the trail. The weather was overcast and in the 40's with a breeze at times. Being I have been in warm warm weather for the last few months I thought it was cold.

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

Light flow

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Oct 21 2023

emilystardust

Routes 386
Photos 49
Triplogs 792

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Oct 21 2023
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	18.40 Miles	3,001 AEG

Hiking	18.40 Miles	8 Hrs 58 Mns	2.32 mph
	3,001 ft AEG	1 Hour 3 Mns Break

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Finally experienced this one in the fall - east to west and then crossover back.

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Oct 05 2023

dhelder

Triplogs 71

male

Joined Jan 23 2025
Seattle, WA

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Oct 05 2023
		dhelder • Triplogs 71

Hiking	7.00 Miles	2,364 AEG

Hiking	7.00 Miles
	2,364 ft AEG

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Sep 23 2023

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Sep 23 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	18.49 Miles	2,889 AEG

Hiking	18.49 Miles	7 Hrs 43 Mns		2.77 mph
	2,889 ft AEG	1 Hour 3 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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johnlp

trekkin_gecko

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Day 3 in the White Mountains

After a chilly night of camping and another night of the local elk population bugling, we packed up and headed for the last hike of the trip. I swear one of the elk bugled just outside my tent.

East Baldy Trail
It's been more than 10 years since I've done this loop. I think clockwise is the way to go for me. Meadows give way to forests that lead you to and through a rockwall maze, ultimately opening up to an open boulder top. It's a great place for a break and some photo ops.
[ youtube video ]

Starting at about the 4-mile mark, there is quite a bit of deadfall that looks like it's been there for a while. At the intersection of the East and West trails, we chatted with a couple of cowboys taking a break with their mules. Shortly after that, we crossed paths with fellow HAZer @PatrickL. Great to finally meet you!

We took a short jaunt over to the peak for some photos in a gale-force wind and then returned to the cover of the trees.
[ youtube video ]

West Baldy Trail
The West Baldy Trail has a different feel, and I really enjoy both the East and West trails. You steeply descend out of the forest, cross the West Fork of the LCR, and then the wide-open meadows start.

Mt. Baldy Crossover Trail
With 3.5 miles to go, the crossover adds some elevation with four climbs, the first being the steepest coming out of the LCR.

It was a fun three days in the White Mountains. Thanks to Kelly and John for the hikes, humor, and storytelling.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Baneberry

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

	Mount Baldy Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Little bit of water trickling across the trail

	West Fork LCR - Upper Tributary	Medium flow	Medium flow

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
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Sep 23 2023

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 14
Photos 7,202
Triplogs 5,208

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Sep 23 2023
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,208

Hiking	16.33 Miles	2,685 AEG

Hiking	16.33 Miles
	2,685 ft AEG

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The_Eagle

trekkin_gecko

Final day in the White Mountains. Kelly has been talking up this hike for quite some time and it delivered.
Following breakfast with the bugling elk, we packed up camp and headed to the East Baldy trailhead.
The hike up is mostly through forest with occasional long distance views. Nice trail. Not too steep. We went through a short stretch with quite a few blow downs, but nothing too difficult to get around.
The summit is exposed and was quite windy with great views. We ran into @PatrickL on the way there. Good to see you again!
Descending the West Baldy trail is steeper than the East. Once reaching the bottom the trail follows the very scenic Little Colorado River for a few miles.
Great hike. Would definitely do this one again.
Fun three days in the White Mountains. Thanks Bruce for organizing and driving. Thanks Kelly too.

Wildflowers Observation Light

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Sep 23 2023

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 673
Photos 7,281
Triplogs 4,660

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Sep 23 2023
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660

Hiking	18.49 Miles	2,889 AEG

Hiking	18.49 Miles	7 Hrs 43 Mns	2.77 mph
	2,889 ft AEG	1 Hour 3 Mns Break

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East Fork Trail #95 - Greer

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johnlp

The_Eagle

we packed up camp and headed for east baldy trailhead saturday morning
hiked this trail at least 20 years ago to just past the intersection with west baldy
then west baldy to the summit eight years ago with wade, mary jo and angela
the loop has been on my list for awhile
moderate uphill through the woods for most of this trail
some cool rock formations along the way
a large section of blown down trees
some airplane crash remnants near the top
we had cool temps and a pretty strong breeze
at the east/west junction, talked with a couple cowboys who had ridden mules up
then on the way to the summit we ran into @patrickl
we hiked quartz peak together eleven years ago

nice to see you again!
very windy at the summit
great views of the white mountains and a few lakes
back to the junction, and down west baldy
a steeper descent through the forest for several miles
we had some lunch along here
a tricky creek crossing over the little colorado river
then an easier descent through a series of meadows along the river
very scenic
we saw quite a few people on west baldy
we hit the crossover for a finish through the woods and across a few meadows
enjoyed this piece more than i had anticipated
this is a beautiful hike, and i think it is now officially my favorite hike in arizona
it was nice to revisit some hikes from years ago and get in a couple of new ones
thanks to bruce for driving and planning the logistics
always good hiking with you two

great trip!

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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Sep 10 2023

ShatteredArm

Guides 12
Routes 192
Photos 863
Triplogs 356

42 male

Joined Nov 30 2015
Phoenix, AZ

East Fork loop - L Colorado, AZ

Run/Jog		Sep 10 2023
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Run/Jog	17.00 Miles	1,870 AEG

Run/Jog	17.00 Miles	5 Hrs 57 Mns	3.12 mph
	1,870 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

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Railroad Grade Trail #601

Government Springs Trail

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Last little outing before heading back down to PHX... Main goal was to finally check out East Fork trail. Most of the climbing was in the first mile. Took the detour to Amberon Point, which is quite steep. Trail is a bit messy above the point, but it's actually marked, and conveniently reconnects to East Fork trail. Trail condition was better than expected, and it's pretty pleasant for the most part. Couple parts through the meadows are a little grassy, but with GPS it's clear where to go.

The railroad grade section was not my favorite. Map shows the trail crossing the road directly across from Gabaldon, but didn't see any gate here, and proceeded to the FR. Found what I think might be an aspen bolete.

Gabaldon campground was nice and vacant, proceeded up the connector to East Baldy trail, then back down to Crossover.

On Crossover I got distracted by more mushrooms; collected three porcinis. By the time I got to West Baldy Trail, it was pretty cloudy, and I half expected it to rain (it didn't). Opted to take the creek trail down - found it's easiest to cross over to the south side just past the culvert, then cross back over when the creek bends away from Sheeps Crossing Point.

The trail down West Fork is one of the most idyllic places in Arizona.

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Jul 22 2023

jrich0085

Triplogs 19

40 male

Joined Apr 22 2020
Phoenix

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jul 22 2023
		jrich0085 • Triplogs 19

Hiking	7.00 Miles	2,364 AEG

Hiking	7.00 Miles
	2,364 ft AEG

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Rested up after a night at Winn Campground, I headed to West Baldy #94 to get an early start. This time of year the days start beautiful in the White Mountains—clear blue skies with not a cloud in sight. By lunchtime this often changes as the thunderstorms build in.

I came to this hike expecting it to be another gorgeous White Mountains landscape—old growth forests, lush meadows, and the winding west fork of the Little Colorado River. My map indicated it was about seven miles to the pseudo-summit where West Baldy #94 joins East Baldy #95.

I didn't expect to reach that summit. I planned to go as far as I could and just enjoy the magnificent scenery while keeping a close watch on the skies. As the first thunderheads began building, I planned to head for lower elevation.

What I didn't realize is that most of the elevation gain on this well-traveled trail comes later in the hike. Meanwhile, I was enjoying the scenery. Wildflowers filled the meadows around the Little Colorado. I'd hike through an open, grassy meadow only to again be under the canopy of granddaddy lodgepole pines, firs, spruces, ponderosas, and aspens. I lost track of time. The trail was ascending very gradually, but thus far there was no steep ascent. I looked at my map and realized I was about three-quarters of the way to the summit. A few grey clouds had popped up and were offering some welcome respite from the sun's rays. The clouds weren't thundering, but I knew the weather was changing. Regardless, I was now determined to reach that summit.

At this point the trail exits the thick forest and comes into a damaged area. On both West Baldy, and looking to the other ridge on the east, downed trees litter the landscape like toothpicks. I thought this was Wallow Fire damage from 2011, but I may be incorrect. I've heard everything from pine beetle kill, to a fire in the early 2000s is responsible for this damage.

Despite the damage, the forest is regenerating. Parts of the landscape are covered in blue spruces that look to be about 10-15 years old based on their height. It's like a Christmas tree forest. And it's right about here where the steepest elevation gain begins. A few tight switchbacks push your ascent above 11K feet.

I met a friendly lady on horseback who advised me to watch for a meadow full of purple wildflowers in one of the areas where the pines had died. It was magnificent. She also told me to look out for the famed plane crash site. I was able to find the fuselage on the mountainside using my binoculars.

Finally, I pushed ahead to the pseudo-summit. I call it this because the true summit is on tribal land and requires permission to hike to. I did find the trail that would have led to the true summit. I expected a warning sign and perhaps a gate. Logs and stones laid across the trail are the only indicator this area is off limits. It wouldn't stop anyone who wanted to just step over it. I opted to respect tribal land, and plus, the summit adds about another mile each way and I was tired. Plus I now had to hike back down seven miles.

I briefly considered going down East Baldy. After all, the sign at the junction indicated it was a couple miles shorter. But linking back to the West Baldy lot where I was parked would add more mileage. I opted to return the way I came.

Shortly after beginning my descent, the cloudy skies began to rumble. And rumble some more. The first thunderstorm popped up and dropped some rain. The rain-cooled air actually felt pretty good. I met other hikers still on their ascent. I was surprised how most of them seemed unfazed by the afternoon weather. Meanwhile, I was hustling to get to lower elevation.

That first storm blew through and clear skies returned. I continued on my descent, but as I came within a couple miles of the trailhead, mother nature unleashed again. Loud thunder and hail came with this one. Thankfully the hail was just an annoyance and not dangerous. I still got a good soaking. Other hikers were laughing and joking about it. I wish I could be so nonchalant, but I hate getting caught in thunderstorms.

When I originally researched this hike, West Baldy looked more scenic to me. But now that I've seen it in person, you can bet I'll be back to do East Baldy. With a little more research and planning, I might have done both as a loop, but at the same time I look forward to returning to this beautiful area.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

Jul 21 2023

FOTG

Guides 37
Routes 556
Photos 10,872
Triplogs 1,052

43 male

Joined Jan 21 2013
AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Jul 21 2023
		FOTG • Triplogs 1,052

Hiking	3.97 Miles	508 AEG

Hiking	3.97 Miles	1 Hour 37 Mns	2.48 mph
	508 ft AEG	1 Min Break

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I did pretty good this summer, I was able to get 11 days and 10 nights in the Blue Range and greater White Mountains area since Memorial Weekend.

This hike was done on the last day of a little four day trip out there last week. I brought Mr Blanco, so there was more camping and sightseeing than hiking on the trip, but Blanco is still good for four miles, or so on good trail, so we knocked this old favorite out on our last day. Empty parking lot, saw no one on the trails, beautiful morning, immaculate trail. Maybe a wolf sighting.

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May 28 2023

RickVincent

Guides 4
Routes 5
Photos 3,377
Triplogs 783

55 male

Joined Aug 20 2009
Mesa, AZ

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		May 28 2023
		RickVincent • Triplogs 783

Hiking	6.70 Miles	2,364 AEG

Hiking	6.70 Miles	3 Hrs 30 Mns	1.91 mph
	2,364 ft AEG

no routes

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With Pete and Chelsea. We hiked just past the last big meadow. Veered off trail down to the water and followed that for awhile until reconnecting with the trail.

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This is my gym. I have to travel down a bumpy road to get there. There are no treadmillls, no machines, and no personal trainers. I walk..I run..I breathe the fresh air. I can go any time I want, as much as I want and there is no membership fee.

Aug 21 2022

AugustWest

Routes 174
Photos 471
Triplogs 184

51 male

Joined Mar 16 2019
Phoenix

Alpine, AZ

Hiking		Aug 21 2022
		AugustWest • Triplogs 184

Hiking	14.44 Miles	2,329 AEG

Hiking	14.44 Miles	5 Hrs 2 Mns	3.16 mph
	2,329 ft AEG	28 Mns Break

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Incredible day on Baldy that had me thinking at one point on West Baldy, 'Why not just sell everything and live at the trailhead in a van?'

I stayed with my son and his girlfriend at an AirBnB in Eager the night before. I woke up at about 5:30 and made it to the West Baldy Trailhead at sunrise. There was one other truck in the parking lot. The day started misty and cold at 45 degrees. A common theme for the day was really mushy, wet trails.

As I made my way up towards the overlook, I couldn't help to notice the most gigantic firs I have seen since leaving Oregon. This for me was one of the highlights of the day. At the lookout, I caught up to the truck owner who was the only other person I ran into on West Baldy.

Heading down East Baldy I started running into a couple of people here and there. I think I saw 4 people total in the forested section. By the time we reached the meadows there were twice that, up to within a couple of miles from the trailhead.

The plan was for my son and his girlfriend to get a later start and meet me somewhere on lower East Baldy. Hiking with then slowed me down some, but I so rarely get a chance to hike with my boy so I really treasured the slower steps.

Tyler shuttled me back to my truck in time to get back to the house and pack up. We stopped in Show Low at The House which has great burgers and homemade potato chips!!

I am probably not going van life anytime soon, but I will definitely be back in the White's soon!

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Wildflower seed in the sand and wind
May the four winds blow you home again

Jul 24 2022

MikkiD

Triplogs 12

female

Joined Feb 06 2022
Mesa, AZ