West Baldy Trail #94
The trail is easy to follow as it cuts across a wide meadow and edges up to the West Fork of the Little Colorado. Click here for printable information and map
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Open, with advisory TRAIL NOT CLEARED OF HAZARDS, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK |
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Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
Best Season: | May through October, depending on snowpack. Sometimes snowdrifts block portions of the trail as late |
Restrictions: |
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Water: | Do not drink from local water sources. They are untreated. Carry your own water or bring water purif |
Restroom: | Vault Toilet (1) |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
Information Center: | Springerville Ranger District (928) 333-6200 TTY: (928) 333-5397 |
General Information
Directions: From the Eagar stoplight, travel west on AZ Highway 260 for 17.1 miles to AZ Highway 273. Turn left (south) onAZ Highway 273 for 7.6 miles. The trailhead is on the right. You can also use this trailhead for the Railroad Grade Trail (Trail 601) and West Fork Trail(Trail 94).General Notes:
- Please sign in and out at the trailhead register. Let someone know where you'll be and when you expect to return.
- This is the second half of Trail #94, which begins in Greer off Osborne Road. For a full description of that trail, please refer to the West Fork Trail #94.
Parking:
- Accommodates Trailers
- Large Parking Area
Activities
Day Hiking
Backpacking
The trail starts just out of the parking area and through the gate. Please take a moment to sign the visitor register. The trail is easy to follow as it cuts across a wide meadow and edges up to the West Fork of the Little Colorado. The trail follows the stream for the next two miles, climbing gradually. This stretch is the most heavily used portion of the trail and quite possibly the most heavily used trail on the Forest. If you have a problem with lots of other hikers, avoid this trail on weekends and holidays. As the trail begins a more noticeable climb, the crowds thin out. The trail crosses the West Fork over an old bridge and continues its uphill grade. The ascent is no vein-popper, but it can be taxing due to the steady climb and high elevation.
The trail crosses meadows and winds through a thick forest setting dominated by spruce, fir and aspen. Beaver dams dot the streams and fishing on the West Fork is generally good. As you work your way up, the trail becomes a series of switchbacks. Please stay on the trail and resist the temptation to make your own shortcuts. This damages the soil, scars the land and causes erosion which could wash out the established trail and bring silt into the creek. The West Baldy Trail merges with the East Baldy Trail in a saddle near the Reservation boundary below Mt. Thomas. At this point you can see some new country and continue down to the other side, or turn around and see the trail you just came up from a different angle. Each trail is a 7 miles hike from this point. Many hikers park a vehicle at the Sheeps Crossing trailhead and another at the Phelps trailhead as shuttle vehicles. The summit of Mt. Baldy is on the White Mountain Apache Reservation and is closed to all non-tribal members. Please respect their customs and laws and do not travel to the top.
USGS Maps: 279NE, Mt Ord, AZ; 280NW, Big Lake NW, AZ.
Elevation desc | 9,000 feet to 11,200 feet |
Best Season: | May through October, depending on snowpack. Sometimes snowdrifts block portions of the trail as late |
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Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Horse Riding
Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
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