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1 triplog
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Jul 07 2024
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 Triplogs 1

40 male
 Joined Apr 04 2016
 Tempe
Mount Baldy LoopAlpine, AZ
Mount Baldy Loop
Alpine, AZ
Backpack avatar Jul 07 2024
ChampionSleeper • Triplogs 1
Backpack17.00 Miles 2,880 AEG
Backpack17.00 Miles1 Day   7 Hrs      
2,880 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Started at the East Baldy trailhead around 5:30 pm. Worked my way up crossover (some mosquitos right now but a little bug spray did the trick). Continued up West Baldy, which is absolutely gorgeous in the evening. Beautiful flowing water, lots of good looking swimming holes. Made camp about 5 miles in, as the trail starts to drift away from the West fork. Lots of good camping spots along the West fork, although many were taken on a Saturday night. Setup camp with a mezcal cocktail (mezcal, blueberry electrolytes, and water) and went for a quick splash in the creek as it got dark. Made dinner and hung my food in a tree and went to bed. The sound of the river running around both sides of my camp was soothing.

Woke up, made coffee and oatmeal, and broke camp. Saw one party pass by heading towards the summit while I was drinking coffee. Got on the trail again and headed up. Lots of water filtering opportunities leading up towards the summit. Ran into a local at the junction of the two trail and the summit trail. He told me people routinely hike to the summit without permission, but emphasized the importance of respecting tribal members and turning around if you see ceremonial activity near the summit. I went up, didn't see anyone, but did pickup a fair amount of trash on the way down. Maybe that counts for something.

The East side is much drier and hotter than the West side. The spring was running enough to filter near the plane crashes. I grabbed a bottle of water as a backup but didn't filter it and continued down. Ran into a fair amount of hiker, backpacker, and horse traffic on the way down. Made it back to the car around 2:30, using the unfiltered spring water to cool off a little on the way.

Highly recommend this loop. There are camping opportunities on both sides of the loop, but the better water (for filtering, swimming, or keeping beer cold) is on the West side. The local I talked to said there is a bit of a trash problem in the area, so maybe do your best to bring out more than you bring in.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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