The Mount Baldy Wilderness in Arizona is a rugged and remote area characterized by its towering peaks, deep canyons, and diverse ecosystems.
The summit of Mount Baldy offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is the highest point in the San Gabriel Mountains and provides a challenging but rewarding hike.
San Antonio Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near the base of Mount Baldy. The falls can be reached via a short hike and are a popular spot for picnicking and photography.
The Devil's Backbone Trail is a narrow ridge that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is a challenging hike that is not recommended for those with a fear of heights, but the views are well worth the effort.
Icehouse Canyon is a popular starting point for hikes in the Mount Baldy Wilderness. The canyon is home to a variety of plant and animal species and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Baldy Bowl is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. The bowl offers steep, challenging terrain for advanced skiers and riders, as well as stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
The Mount Baldy Visitor Center offers information on the wilderness area, as well as exhibits on the local flora and fauna. It is a great starting point for visitors looking to learn more about the area before heading out on a hike or other outdoor adventure.
Description: Meadow & cabin near Big Lake. We went camping and hiking in the White Mountains in northern Arizona in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Big Lake and Mount Baldy. Eric went trout fishing on the Little Colorado River and the West Fork of the Black River. We saw great beauty. "Most, the overwhelming majority, seem condemned to the role of spectators, servitors, dependent consumers. One exception remains to the iron rule of oligarchy. At least in America one relic of our ancient and rightful liberty has survived. And that is - a walk into the woods; a journey on foot into the uninhabited interior; a voyage down the river of no return. Hunters, fishermen, hikers, climbers, white-water boatmen, red-rock explorers know what I mean. In America at least this category of experience remains open and available to all, democratic. It is my fear that if we allow the freedom of the hills and the last of the wilderness to be taken from us, then the very idea of freedom may die with it." Edward Abbey, from Down the River (with Henry) Arizona Passages
Image by Alan English CPA from Scottsdale, Arizona 85254, USA – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: A temperature inversion in the Rogue Valley as seen from Roxy Ann Peak. The 3,576-foot (1,090 m) tall mountain rises over 2,000 feet (610 m) above the valley, and about 1,200 feet (370 m) above this particular fog layer, which formed in the cooler air mass below, while the warmer air mass above remained clear. These inversions can last for several weeks.
Image by Little Mountain 5 – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia