Mount Baldy

4.5/5 (44 reviews)
Colorado Springs, Colorado (Teller County)
Last Updated: 07/24/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude
Camping
Forest
Overland
Rock
Scenic
Mount Baldy (FS 379 and FS 379A) is located within the Pike National Forest approximately 15 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. It is approximately six miles in length, and reaches elevations above 11,000 feet, just within the timberline at the base of Almagre Mountain South. This 4WD road provides a sense of solitude because it is remote and less traveled than other roads in the area. It provides expansive views of the plains, rivaled only by the few iconic peaks in the area. The Pike National Forest contains a myriad of trails which provide a broad spectrum of outdoor recreational opportunities. The area is popular among OHV users, mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians. The trail network includes mild trails suitable for stock vehicles (it is not uncommon to see ordinary passenger sedans and minivans on some trails) in addition to genuine 4WD tracks such as Mount Baldy (FS 379), Eagle Rock (FS 370C), and Saran Wrap (FS 370D) that traverse higher elevations. Accessibility and panoramic mountain views are the greatest attractions to this area.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

This guide describes the road in three segments. The first third of the road climbs gradually from the trailhead at Old Stage Road/Gold Camp Road and includes a switchback with excellent views of the eastern plains. Surface conditions are dry and very good, having been graded by the USFS sometime after June 18th. Climbing further, entering the middle third, the forest becomes more dense as it continues to climb and travels west. The final third road segment, starting at FS Road 379A, is generally rougher, consisting of 10" to 12" loose rock and gravel. Approaching the end, the road is a narrow ledge that emerges at a boulder field and broad saddle that is suitable for group camping. Overall, this road is mild with occasional rough spots, but nothing beyond the capability of a stock 4WD vehicle.

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (44)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/01/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This was fun! The trail was dry, except for a few shallow water crossings. I reached the top, only having to stop twice to check my line. I have open differentials and 32" tires. I had no trouble but had to use 4-low toward the end. The fall colors are really nice right now.
Official Crew
30350
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/24/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

CORE removed the rockfall today. Trail is clear to the top.
Impassable
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/03/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This was a SUPER fun trail. Just attempted on 7/3/2022. However, Dewie’s review is spot on. At about 11,300 feet you hit the final push via shelf roads and there is a large boulder right in the middle of the road creating a massive obstacle. There’s maybe 4 feet max to squeeze through and you’re literally on cliffs edge. I have absolutely no idea how Dewie and his crew passed this obstacle. ATV’s , Bikes, Quads: most likely can pass. 2door Wranglers: MIGHT be able to pass but not a good idea to try. I am in a 2016 4Runner sr5 with about a 2.5” lift all around. There was NO way we were passing. ALSO! Be advised if you make it to that part, turning around is sketchy also. You’re essentially gunning it up the side of the vertical mountain to try and 5-6 point turn. It is doable tho just a little sketchy in that tight a spot
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 06/11/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Trail description is accurate. It’s a nice scenic easy trail to drive. I went up before the rock slide was cleared but managed to drive around the boulder in the trail. Love the scenic views from the top.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 06/08/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Sweet trail, and the difficulty rating is accurate excluding the rockslide. I was in a stock Rubicon and only used 4low to make it easier on the Jeep in one or two spots. Was in 4 high most of the trail. Although you can currently get to the last waypoint, there is a dangerous rockslide in the rocky point area that I would not advise going past. We did, but in retrospect, it probably wasn’t the best call. I reviewed my video footage and it seemed stable, but was sketchier than I thought it was. I would not count on the anchor rocks holding for much longer especially if we get any precipitation. I bet the forest service will clear it soon tho. I’ll post a video on the Colorado Mallcrawler YouTube channel next week, but wanted to get this info out there.

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