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Directions to Trailhead:
From the Northern Junction of SR 260 and US 60 in Show Low
drive Southeast on SR260 (N. White Mountain Road) to SR273 (about 36 miles).
Turn right on SR 273 and follow it past the turn off to the Sunrise Ski Resort
onto the Sitgraves Forest. The trailhead is about 9.5 miles south of SR260 on
the right side of the road.
The trailhead is accessible by most passenger cars.
Trail Description:
From the well maintained trailhead, the trail starts at the
kiosk and heads northwest. The trail is a single-track for the first quarter
mile until it picks up an old road. Follow the road for another quarter mile and
the trail heads left down into a small meadow and resumes its single-track
profile. One mile from the trail head the trail reaches the first large meadows
along the West Fork of the Little Colorado River. Also at the 1 mile mark, you
will enter the Mt. Baldy Wilderness.
The trail continues along following the creek. 1.2 miles from the trailhead is
the junction with the Connector Trail. The sign at the junction says Phelps
Cabin 3 1/4 miles. Use this trail if you are making a loop with the East Baldy
trail.
The size and majesty of the meadows that stay between the trail and the creek
are just amazing. The trail climbs very gently from the trailhead for the first
three miles. All the best camping is between mile 1 and 3. Be sure to seek out a
camp site that is already established on the far side of the creek away from the
trail.
Three miles from the Trailhead, the trail leaves the meadows and enters the
woods. The trail continues to climb for another half mile to a point where it
crosses the creek. The climb to this point has been gentle gaining only 500 feet
in 3.5 miles. After crossing the creek the trail begins to climb in earnest.
Climbing up and away from the creek the trail follows the contour of the
mountain as it gains almost 1600 feet in the next 2.5 miles. As the trail
contours around to the southwest, views of Mt Baldy begin. Above 10,000 feet in
elevation the forest has been devastated by disease. I do not know what caused
the devastation, but all the older tress are bare and have no leaves.
I only made it to the ridge at 10600 feet. It was late in the day and raining
hard; I just did not have the motivation for the push to the top. From the ridge
the trail continues to climb until it reaches the junction with the East Baldy
Trail and the allowable summit of Baldy Peak. The actual peak is .4 miles inside
the White Mountain Indian Reservation and access is prohibited. Hikers caught on
the reservation are subject to arrest and the seizure of their gear.
Return the way you came or make a 16.5 mile loop by returning on the East Baldy
Trail and the Connector Trail. |
