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Baldy Cinco Trail

Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado · 3 min read

Distance
7.4 mi
Elevation Gain
2,900 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Est. Time
5-7 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • 13,370-foot summit with views from the Elk Mountains to the La Plata range
  • Remote route rarely sees more than a handful of hikers on any day
  • Short approach to treeline makes for efficient alpine access
  • The Cimarron Valley below is one of Colorado's most scenic ranch landscapes
  • Ptarmigan and marmots common on the upper slopes
summitviewsalpine meadowwildlife

Overview

Baldy Cinco is the kind of peak that shows up in no guidebooks and sees almost no trail traffic despite sitting just off an accessible gravel road in the Uncompahgre National Forest. The 7.4-mile round trip is entirely above valley floor, climbing through open tundra to a broad summit with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains in every direction.

The route starts high (trailhead near 10,500 feet) and gains rapidly, making altitude a consideration for visitors from lower elevations. But the short total distance makes Baldy Cinco achievable as a day hike for fit hikers acclimatized to Colorado elevations.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2: Lower slopes. A faint trail traces the ridge from the trailhead through scattered spruce before entering open tundra. Navigation is straightforward on clear days.

Miles 2 to 3: Upper tundra. The route crosses wide tundra benches with views expanding in all directions. Ptarmigan are frequently spotted in this section.

Miles 3 to 3.7: Summit approach. A short talus field leads to the summit plateau. The high point is marked with a small cairn. The Cimarron Valley spreads below to the north; Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre peaks are visible to the southwest.

When to Visit

July through September. Arrive before 10 AM to be off the exposed ridge before afternoon storms. September often has the most stable weather of any summer month.

Practical Details

No facilities at the trailhead. No maintained trail above treeline; navigation by map and compass or GPS is recommended. For other Uncompahgre routes, see the Cimarron Ridge Trail and the forest guide.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Safety Considerations

The strenuous rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Uncompahgre National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.

Trailhead Parking

Baldy Cinco Trailhead on Owl Creek Pass Road (CR-858). Gravel road accessible by 2WD in dry conditions. Space for 8-10 vehicles.

← Back to Uncompahgre National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Baldy Cinco?
Baldy Cinco is strenuous: 7.4 miles round trip with 2,900 feet of gain in a compact approach. The upper mile involves off-trail tundra and some Class 2 talus. Most hikers take 5 to 7 hours round trip.
Is Baldy Cinco a Fourteener?
No. Baldy Cinco tops out at 13,370 feet. It is not an official Colorado Fourteener but is a substantial peak with serious elevation gain.
What is the weather like on Baldy Cinco?
Standard San Juan afternoon thunderstorm pattern applies: plan to be off the exposed summit by noon or 1 PM. Storms build fast above treeline and can arrive with little warning. July and August have the most storm activity.
Are there other peaks to combine with Baldy Cinco?
Experienced ridge walkers sometimes traverse to neighboring peaks in the Cimarron group, but these routes are entirely off-trail and require good navigation skills and knowledge of Class 3 terrain.