Mount Baldy Loop (Hike-Your-Own Hike)

This is one of my favorites hikes, and takes us to the scenic Mount Baldy Loop in the White Mountains. (Mt Baldy is the second highest mountain in Arizona; highest is Mt Humphreys). The best description can be found at HikeArizona.com (http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=531) and we'll be starting at the West Baldy trailhead (also described here (http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2309)), going counter-clockwise into the wilderness for a couple of nights by the river.

This is a great hike for those who want to do a little or do a lot. You can hike as long as 17 miles (the full loop) or as short as 4.5 miles (to the base camp area), then back out.

We will plan to leave the Phoenix area by noon (12:00 PM) on Friday, 5/30, and arrive at the Sheeps Crossing trailhead before the late afternoon, with stops in Pinetop/Lakeside/Show Low if you need/want. We will hike in about 4.5 miles to a nice campsite along the West Fork of the Lower Colorado River, where we will base camp. This also gives us the chance to acclimate to the altitude before hiking on Saturday.

Both tents and hammocks will find plenty of space.

On Saturday morning, you can choose to do the west trail to the summit and back (about 10 miles up and down), do the entire 17-mile loop (west to east), or just hang out at the campsite. We'll then have a relaxing evening, weather permitting, before driving back to Phoenix on Sunday, 6/1

9 spots total for this hike. Sorry, no dogs unless I have hiked with you and your dog before.

Carpooling:

We'll meet at the Fort McDowell Casino (https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=33.583595%2C-111.679665) and leave from there, arranging carpools at the time of departure. A contribution for gas costs is advised if you are a rider.

Recommended experience:

• The west trail is moderate and should take only several hours to reach the peak and return, for a total of about 10 miles. The entire west-to-east loop is a challenging 17 miles with 2000 ft accumulated gain (the peak reaches over 11,300 ft), and I expect some of us may hike the entire day, weather permitting. You should be fit and capable enough to complete the loop, or whatever distance you choose to hike. If you have concerns about your ability, please contact me and we'll discuss that.
• The campsites are creekside and should be a great place to hang out if that's all you want to do. (If you want to try your luck at fishing, go ahead, but be sure to get a license!)

Weather is typically a concern, even in late May. Rain gear is a must. We've seen hail, sleet, and sunshine all on the same trips.

For those not used to high altitudes, please note:

1. This is a high altitude hike; we are shooting for the second highest mountain in Arizona, so be prepared. You WILL need wind and sun protection, and summer afternoons mean a thunderstorm isn't out of the question; bring rain gear. (The first time I led a hike here we had knee-deep hail halfway up the trail.)
2. A serious pair of shoes or boots is another necessity, and the Forest Service notes that the trail remains "not cleared of hazards." On the most recent trip I made, we were not able to continue down the east trail at all because of the amount of deadfall.
3. Expect that you will dehydrate more rapidly at high altitude, so bring even more water, not to mention calories to burn, and substantial snacks.

Water available:
Water should be available but will need to be filtered/treated.

Other helpful information:

• Be sure to bring appropriate gear based on the forecast for the weekend (I'll be posting weather reports in the days leading up to the trip). Expect it to be cold at night!

• The summit itself is on the White Mountain Apache reservation, but we will only continue on the crossover section of the loop. In the past, groups have been granted permission to summit on a case-by-case basis but I am not seeking that permission this time. If you wish to do so, go ahead and ask for yourself.

Contact me if you have any questions.