Bald Mountain

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.