Mount Baldy

Colorado Springs, Colorado (Teller County)

Last Updated: 08/08/2021
4.5 / 5 ( 28 reviews )
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Highlights

Highlight: Mount Baldy
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.

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Route Information

Advanced Rating System

Recommended Vehicle:
Stock SUV with High Clearance and 4 Low
Concerns:
Summary:
The narrow and rocky shelf road at Waypoint 9 is the most difficult obstacle on this road.

Technical Rating

MANDATORY
3
MODERATE
OPTIONAL
4
MODERATE
Typically, more rock or undulated road surface. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 12" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 12" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 24" inches. Tire placement becomes more difficult. Can be steep.
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Community Consensus

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Description

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.

Waypoints

1. Trailhead (0 mi)
The trailhead is well marked and easily identified from Old Stage Road/Gold Camp Road. There is sufficient space for 7-10 vehicles to stage at the trailhead for final checks, locking hubs, airing down, etc.
2. Stream Crossing (0.3 mi)
The trail turns left and crosses the stream. The water is shallow. To the left is a site suitable for single-vehicle camping.
3. Intersection FS Road 626 (0.7 mi)
Continue straight past this intersection. FS Road 626 is an ATV and motorcycle connector trail that runs east to FS Road 381, FS Road 370B, and the Wye Campground.
4. Intersection FS Road 379E (1.5 mi)
Continue straight through the large meadow and pass the intersection to (spur) FS Road 379E on your left. The meadow is suitable for large group camping (10+ vehicles) or as a lunch spot for day trips.
5. Intersection FS Roads 701 and 672 (1.8 mi)
Follow FS Road 379 as it curves to the left. Two popular hiking and mountain-biking trails intersect here.
6. Switchback (2.2 mi)
This switchback is on a ridge. From this vantage point, one can see the plains to the eastern horizon, and numerous mountain peaks to the west.
7. Intersection FS Road 370C (3.9 mi)
Approaching the large meadow ahead, you will pass the junction with Eagle Rock/FS Road 370C on the left. Stay straight on FS Road 379.
8. Intersection FS Road 379A (4.5 mi)
Turn right onto FS Road 379A. The trailhead to FS Road 379A is a sharp switchback. Because the forest is dense here, it is not easily visible unless you are watching for it.
9. Rocky Point (5.8 mi)
Continue straight past the rocky point on the shelf road. This point provides exceptional views of the valley and plains below.
10. WP 10 Gate (6.3 mi)
This gate marks the end of public access to FS Road 379A.

Directions to Trailhead

Starting Point: Colorado Springs

In Colorado Springs, from Interstate 25, take exit #140 Tejon Street/Nevada Avenue. Travel south on Nevada Avenue approximately one mile to Lake Avenue. Turn right on Lake Avenue, passing straight through two round-abouts, and arrive at the third round-about directly in front of the historic Broadmoor Hotel. Turn left onto Pourtales Road for approximately one-quarter mile, then right onto Mirada Road for one-half a mile. At the intersection with Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard, turn right and proceed across Penrose Boulevard (4-way stop). At this point, Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard becomes Old Stage Road, and soon turns from pavement to graded dirt road. Old Stage Road twists and winds up the mountain through adjoining private property and National Forest lands providing spectacular overlooks of the city below. The Mount Baldy trailhead marker (Forest Service Road 379) is approximately 12 miles ahead.

Camping

Dispersed
Dispersed camping is permitted within the Pike National Forest at undeveloped sites along the trail including Mount Baldy and all connecting roads. On this particular road, sites near Waypoints 2, 4, and 10 are suggested. Users should be aware that there are numerous private properties within the area adjacent to public lands. The private properties are usually, but not always, fenced and signed as private. Use the Motor Vehicle User Map (MVUM), available from the Pikes Peak Ranger District, to help distinguish between public and private land. Please respect other trail users--pack it in/pack it out. Some sites within the National Forest are heavily littered due to inconsiderate users.
Camping: Mount Baldy

Trail Reviews (41)

Questions & Answers (1)

Q: Don't you need to turn right onto 379A at Waypoint 8? The directions say to stay straight on 379.
–Bill Andrews (05/05/2019)
A: Thanks for the correction! Adjusted text to say "Turn right onto FS Road 379A".
–Tracy Barker (05/08/2019)

Writer Information

Tracy Barker

Mapping Crew - Colorado
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Tracy is an outdoor enthusiast originally from north Alabama. His family moved to central Utah when Tracy was a child, and subsequently to southern Utah, where he fell in love with the Rocky Mountains. His favorite activities are family trail rides and camping with small groups. He started many years ago in his dad's F-150 pickup truck, and subsequently his own 4x4 acquisition, a 1975 Ford Bronco (in 1991).
For individual use only, not to be shared.

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