Old Baldy Mountain Hike

The Old Baldy Mountain Hike is a great workout. Constantly climbing in elevation, your legs will get tired. Totally worth the effort though! The trail is rugged and exposed as you ascend the peak, wear hiking boots and bring layers for the summit! Challenging and steep in places, you’ll want to pack plenty of water or a water filter. There are plenty of streams and water pools along the way to filter! On your next trip to the Colorado Wilderness consider hiking up Old Baldy, you won’t be disappointed.

Begin this trail at the Fourth of July Trailhead. Parking is limited, so arrive early to get a spot! Take the Arapaho Pass Trail and it will guide you northwest through the lush aspen forest. Along this trail, you will be gradually climbing, keep your eye out for cascading waterfalls off the path. At the first intersection, stay right on the Arapaho Pass Trail. Continue hiking this path as you surmount the timberline and meet another junction. Here, you will see old remnants of the Fourth of July Mine. Bear right onto the Arapaho Glacier Trail. At this point, the terrain will become increasingly rocky and technical as you ascend the saddle towards the peak. Navigate several switchbacks and meet another junction. Head northeast onto the Old Baldy Trail. This section of the trail is unmarked. Maneuver the steep talus field and watch your step as you hike up to the summit. Once you are at the summit, you will have an expansive view of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Explore Old Baldy Mountain and revel in the up-close and personal view of Arapaho peaks before beginning your descent. Carefully retrace your steps down the mountain ridge before hooking back onto the Arapaho Glacier Trail. Follow this trail and retrace your steps back to the Arapaho Pass Trail which will deliver you back to the parking lot.