Mount Baldy Road, and Step Flat Trail
Mount Baldy Trails are located near the Cowboy Camp Trail and Beaver Creek Trail. This is a short trail with around 7 miles. For many drivers, those trails are challenging to navigate because they are not near the towns and they are not well maintained.
Mount Baldy Road and Step Flat Trails offer an exhilarating experience for UTV enthusiasts and adventurers looking to explore the rugged beauty of the Arapeen OHV Trail system. Nestled near the Cowboy Camp Trail and Beaver Creek Trail, these trails provide a unique combination of scenic vistas and challenging terrains.
Mount Baldy Road, a shorter trail spanning approximately 7 miles, demands both skill and determination from drivers due to its remote location and less maintained paths. Despite these challenges, the trails’ isolation and raw natural beauty make them a rewarding destination for those seeking a true off-road adventure.
Location of the Mount Baldy Trails
To find Mount Baldy Road you should drive on Mayfield-Gunnison Road and near the end of that trail you should turn right on this point 39.137530, -111.498332. Less than a mile you need to continue straight 39.138709, -111.514580 because the right side is the Cowboy Camp Road.
After nearly 3 miles you will find the Deep Lake on your right side and after that, you need to continue left and you will find the Step Flat Trail. On the beginning of the trail on your left is Shingle Mill Reservoir and on the beginning point is Cowboy Camp spot.
Arapeen OHV Trail System offers many different trails and for better navigating the trails please make sure you check the onX Map down below. All the trails are marked and all information about trails is listed there.
Difficulty of the Mount Baldy Trails
The Mount Baldy Trails are moderate but challenging, perfect for off-road enthusiasts. These trails are very rocky, rutted, and off-camber, requiring skill to navigate. Drivers will encounter loose rocks, small washes, deep ruts, and short, steep grades, with obstacles up to 1.5 feet tall. The highest point of the trails reaches 10,006 feet, offering great views but also thinner air and changing weather.
Because the trails are far from towns and not well maintained, they can be unpredictable. In bad weather, they become slick and difficult, increasing the risk of getting stuck. Despite these challenges, the trails offer a rewarding adventure for those seeking a true off-road experience in the beautiful Arapeen OHV Trail system.
Surface Type: Dirt
The surface type of the Mount Baldy Trails is primarily dirt, but riders should be prepared for a variety of challenging conditions. While much of the trail consists of packed dirt, providing a relatively smooth ride, there are numerous sections where the path becomes very rocky.
These rocky areas can be quite challenging, with loose stones and large rocks scattered across the trail. The dirt surface itself can vary in texture, sometimes becoming soft and dusty, which can reduce traction and increase the difficulty of navigation.
Best Times to Visit: Fall, Summer, Spring
The best times to visit the Mount Baldy Trails are during the fall, summer, and spring months, each offering a unique experience for off-road enthusiasts. Summer provides the most consistent trail conditions, with warm weather and long days allowing for extended exploration. However, it’s important to be prepared for higher elevations, where temperatures can still be cool.
Fall and spring, while equally beautiful, can present additional challenges due to increased erosion on the trails. During these seasons, melting snow and seasonal rains can lead to washed-out sections and deeper ruts, making navigation more difficult. The loose rocks and dirt can become unstable, and the trails may be slick and muddy, requiring more careful driving. Despite these challenges, fall and spring also offer some of the most stunning scenery, with vibrant foliage in autumn and blooming wildflowers in spring, enhancing the overall experience.
Accessible By
The Mount Baldy Trail is accessible by all types of UTVs and ATVs, making it a versatile option for off-road enthusiasts with various vehicles. This trail accommodates a wide range of off-road machines, from smaller, more agile ATVs to larger, more robust UTVs, allowing drivers to choose their preferred mode of transport based on their comfort and skill level. The trail’s diverse terrain and challenging features provide an engaging experience for all riders, regardless of their vehicle choice.
In contrast, the Step Flat Trail is more suited to smaller UTVs due to its narrower paths and tighter turns. These smaller UTVs can maneuver more easily through the trail’s confined spaces, making the ride smoother and more enjoyable. Riders with larger UTVs might find the Step Flat Trail more challenging to navigate, as the width and size of their vehicles can make certain sections difficult to pass.
Other things you can do near the Mount Baldy Trails
The Mount Baldy Road and Step Flat Trail areas are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Besides exciting off-road driving, these trails are surrounded by natural beauty and offer many activities. There are about 10 lakes and many rivers nearby, great for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The water bodies add to the scenic charm and provide a refreshing break from the trails.
This part of the Arapeen OHV Trail system is known for its excellent camping spots. You can find primitive campsites along Mount Baldy Road and nearby areas, ideal for a peaceful retreat in nature. Whether you want to set up a tent by a lake, park your trailer in a forest clearing, or camp near a river, there are plenty of options. These spots are great for spending time with family and friends, hiking, bird watching, and stargazing at night.
For those who rent a UTV and want to explore the mountains further, there are also hiking trails available. These trails cater to all levels of hikers, offering another way to enjoy the stunning landscapes. The proximity of the trails to Shingle Mill Reservoir and Skyline Drive provides even more opportunities for exploration. With varied terrain and natural beauty, this region is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering many ways to enjoy nature, whether you’re on your UTV, hiking, or relaxing by a campfire.
Mount Baldy Trail
Mount Baldy Road is a 4-mile trail that is moderately challenging, making it suitable for beginners ready to test their skills. This trail provides access to the North and West sides of Mount Baldy, offering beautiful views and diverse landscapes. The road is unmaintained, adding to the adventure as drivers navigate rocky and uneven surfaces. During bad weather, the trail can become slippery and difficult, requiring careful driving.
Despite the challenges, Mount Baldy Road is rewarding. There are a few primitive camping sites on the north end of the road, accessible by full-size vehicles and trailers. These sites provide a simple and peaceful camping experience, perfect for those looking to enjoy an overnight stay in nature.
The combination of moderate difficulty, access to Mount Baldy, and camping options makes Mount Baldy Road a popular choice for off-roaders. Whether you’re navigating the trail or camping under the stars, this trail offers a memorable outdoor experience in the Arapeen OHV Trail system.
Step Flat Trail
Step Flat Trail is a shorter, moderately challenging trail ideal for new UTV drivers looking to develop their off-roading skills. This trail stretches between Shingle Mill Reservoir and Skyline Drive, offering a scenic and engaging route through the Arapeen OHV Trail system.
While the trail is accessible to smaller UTVs, its unmaintained nature means that drivers must be prepared for a variety of terrain conditions, including rocky sections, loose dirt, and potential obstacles.
During inclement weather, the trail can become particularly difficult to traverse. Mud, erosion, and slippery surfaces can make navigation tricky, requiring careful attention and driving expertise. Despite these challenges, the Step Flat Trail rewards adventurers with beautiful views and a sense of accomplishment upon completing the route.
The trail’s moderate difficulty level makes it a great option for beginners who want to push their limits while still enjoying a manageable ride. As you travel from Shingle Mill Reservoir to Skyline Drive, you’ll experience the diverse landscapes and natural beauty that make the Arapeen OHV Trail system a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
