Overview of West Baldy Trail
West Baldy Trail is located in Arizona’s White Mountains on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. The summit of Mt. Baldy is closed to all non-tribal members. Please respect their customs and laws and do not travel to the top.
The trail is 14 miles round-trip from the parking lot at Sheep’s Crossing and is of moderate difficulty. It is open from May through October, depending on the snowpack, and is heavily used from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Trailhead
The trailhead is located at Sheep’s Crossing, off the gravel portion of AZ 273. It starts just out of the parking area and through the gate. Hikers should take a moment to sign the visitor register.

Description of West Baldy Trail
The trail is easy to follow as it cuts across a wide meadow and edges up to the West Fork of the Little Colorado. It follows the stream for the next two miles, climbing gradually. As the trail begins a more noticeable climb, the crowds thin out. The trail crosses the West Fork over an old bridge and continues its uphill grade. The ascent is not too difficult, but can still be taxing due to the high elevation. The trail crosses meadows and winds through a thick forest setting dominated by spruce, fir and aspen.
The trail crosses meadows and winds through a thick forest setting dominated by spruce, fir and aspen. Beaver dams dot the stream and fishing on the West Fork is generally good. As you work your way up, the trail becomes a series of switchbacks. Please stay on the trail and resist the temptation to make your own shortcuts. This damages the soil, scars the land and causes erosion which could wash out the established trail and bring silt into the creek. The West Baldy Trail merges with the East Baldy Trail in a saddle near the Reservation boundary below Mt. Thomas. At this point you can see some new country and continue down to the other side, or turn around and see the trail you just came up from a different angle. Each is a 7 mile hike from this point. Many hikers park a vehicle at the Sheep’s Crossing trailhead and another at the Phelp’s trailhead as shuttle vehicles. The summit of Mt. Baldy is on the White Mountain Apache Reservation and is closed to all non-tribal members.
Reservation Boundary
The West Baldy Trail merges with the East Baldy Trail in a saddle near the Reservation boundary below Mt. Thomas. The summit of Mt. Baldy is on the White Mountain Apache Reservation and is closed to all non-tribal members and hikers should respect their customs and laws and not travel to the top.
Attractions and Considerations
This is a wilderness trail and rules and ethics governing wilderness areas should be followed. Visitors should carry their own water or bring water purification equipment and should sign in and out at the trailhead register. Group size limits are 12 for hiking and riding and 6 for camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the West Baldy Trail?
The West Baldy Trail is 14 miles round-trip from the parking lot at Sheep’s Crossing.
When is the best time to hike the West Baldy Trail?
The best time to hike the West Baldy Trail is from May through October, depending on the snowpack. It is heavily used from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
What are the rules for the West Baldy Trail?
Rules for the West Baldy Trail pertain to wilderness areas and include no motorized vehicles, no bicycles and no power equipment. Group size limits are 12 for hiking and riding and 6 for camping. The summit of Mt. Baldy is closed to all non-tribal members. Please respect their customs and laws and do not travel to the top.