BALDY PEAK (10,603’)

August 23, 2016

By Tim Briese

6.7 miles, 2300’ elevation gain, 3:55 roundtrip time

The weather forecast was very poor again today so Brian suggested we climb Baldy Peak, a lower elevation ranked peak just a few miles southeast of Ridgway. That sounded good to me,  because it would be fast and easy so we could hopefully be done before the rains rolled in, then I could head for home.

view of baldy peak from Ridgway

We drove south on Highway 550 in Brian’s Highlander then turned left onto CR 14 a couple of miles north of Ouray. After going a short distance we turned left onto CR 14A near Lake Lenore and went north. The road was excellent until we reached the national forest boundary, then it immediately got rougher and even required high clearance when we neared the trailhead. It was 3.7 miles from Highway 550 to the trailhead. We studied a nice map posted at the trailhead before embarking up the excellent trail at 720 am.

the baldy trailhead

the map posted at the trailhead

The trail climbed up through oak and pine before leveling off somewhat and generally following a ridge to the north/northeast.

brian coming up the trail

After 2.6 miles we reached a junction and turned west onto a spur trail that led a half mile over to the summit. The trail was non-existent at first across a grassy meadow but we didn’t need it anyway.

the trail junction, baldy is at the left

the ridge to baldy

there are several little humps on the ridge

At 920 we stepped on top of the rounded grassy summit and enjoyed fine unobstructed views of mountains to the east, south, and west. Trees obscured views to the north but the best views were in the other directions. This climb is a very nice hike to an excellent vantage point.

view of mt sneffels across the valley

view to the south toward ouray

view to the east of coxcomb, wetterhorn, and other peaks

Heavy clouds were rapidly filling the sky and rain was already falling in the distance. After 25 minutes we left and retraced our steps to the trailhead, where we returned at 1115, with a few sprinkles falling from the sky. We drove back to Ridgway where I retrieved my truck and headed for home.