Bald Mountain
Overview: The area offers exceptional views of the West Elks, Raggeds, the San Juan’s and all the way to the Maroon Bells and beyond. The long drive up to the trailhead takes you through a predominantly conifer and aspen forest – which has been heavily logged over the last 50 years – and is scheduled for more timber sales and logging starting in 2021. Along the drive up on the forest road, we will point out where the past and future logging activity is located. This area is prime mule deer, elk and black bear habitat.
Trail Description: This is an out-and-back trail, making it a choose-your-own distance. From the parking area at Bald Mountain Reservoir, hike approximately 1 mile to the junction with Mendicant Ridge Trail. NOTE that we may need to park further from the trailhead, adding up to an additional mile in total to the hike. From there climb steeply along this rocky, loose trail for a short distance and leave the trail and take a gentle, easy climb to the top of Bald Mountain. One can add on some hiking along the Bald Mountain Tie-In trail with more spectacular views of the West Elk Mountains.
Starting elevation is approximately 11,000, with an ending elevation of about 11,800. Be prepared for a high-altitude hike.
Where: Bald Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate due to the 4-mile length and 800-ft elevation change. There is one 40 foot section that is extremely steep with loose rocks- certainly hiking poles are necessary here. Otherwise, this is a moderate stroll.
When: Sunday, August 23rd. We will meet at the WSCC office (204 Poplar Ave.) at 8:00 am. We will need to take separate cars – one per family. The drive to the trailhead is roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes, and you can expect 2-3 hours of hiking. We may stop at 1 or 2 spots along the road to point out past and future logging activities. The last half of this drive is over a rocky surface, with the last 5 miles requiring 4X4 and preferable higher clearance. I would not recommend a low-clearance passenger vehicle, although some people do drive these vehicles to the end of the road.
What to bring: Good hiking boots, hiking poles, plenty of water, lunch/snacks, sun protection, and bug spray.
How to get to the trailhead: Travel south on HWY 92 from Crawford to Crystal Creek Road. Turn east onto Crystal Creek Road and continue for approximately 15 miles to the parking near Bald Mountain Reservoir.
