Pecos Baldy is one of over a dozen 12,000 ft. + mountains located in the Pecos Wilderness of Northern New Mexico. It, along with its neighbor East Pecos Baldy (12,529 ft.), is in between the Truchas group to the north and the Santa Fe Baldy group to the south. Connected to East Pecos Baldy with a fun second class ridge and 360 degree views from its summit, this peak is a worthy summit for those wishing to explore and see New Mexico's finest wilderness. Pecos Baldy is not considered a seperate mountain from East Pecos Baldy because the saddle drop between the two does not quite reach 300'; therefore it is an unranked summit (see New Mexico Highest List).

Pecos Baldy and the ridge from East Pecos Baldy.

While most chose to do Pecos Baldy as an overnighter by camping at Pecos Baldy Lake, this peak can be done in a day from the Jack's Creek Campground for those who are fit. Pecos Baldy Lake is usually crowded; however, most people visiting the Pecos Wilderness are backpackers leaving the Peaks much less crowded. Because Pecos Baldy is further away and has a more difficult route than East Pecos Baldy, you may find yourself alone on the summit. Be prepared for a 15 mile (round trip) 4,000 ft. (gain) hike if you choose to do this in a day.

Pecos Wilderness

See the East Pecos Baldy page.

The 13,000 ft. Truchas Group from the summit of Pecos Baldy, Pecos Wilderness, NM. Photo copyright by vinnypapa

Getting There

From Santa Fe, head east on I-25 for about 10 miles. Exit highway 63 towards the town of Pecos. Drive about 25 miles north on a nice paved but very winding and curvey road until it dead ends at Jack's Creek Campground. The trail starts at the parking lot.

When To Climb

June through October are the best times to climb in the Pecos Wilderness. Monsoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Winter and early spring months are for the experienced winter mountaineers only. Harsh weather and avalanches can be expected in the winter and spring. Memorial Day weekend can be a good time to climb but snow conditions vary from year to year. Expect to see quite a bit of snow on the east facing slopes especially in the forests. Postholing and route-finding may be necessary as late as early June.

Red Tape

There is a $2 a day parking fee at the Jack's Creek Trailhead. There is a self-service pay station and receipt is to be displayed on your dash.

Pecos Baldy is located in the Pecos Wilderness. Wilderness rules apply. Certain locations in the Pecos Wilderness prohibit camping. Included in these areas are in close proximity to Pecos Baldy Lake, the Truchas lakes, and Beatty's Cabin. Please observe these restrictions in this delicate environment. There are plenty of other locations to camp near these locations. No permits are required.

Wilderness is land set aside as part of wild America, where man can be a visitor. The natural environment has not been disturbed. Travel is restricted to foot or horseback. No mechanized equipment is allowed. No fees or permits are required to enter the Pecos Wilderness. Tread very lightly please.

Camping

There are plenty of places to camp at Jack's Creek Campground at the trailhead. Camping is $10 a day, and parking is $2 a day if you are not camping at Jack's Creek. In the winter when the water is turned off there is no fee, however, the road is only plowed to Cowles which is 2 miles before the campground.

For road conditions, call the Pecos Ranger District at 505.757.6121

Forest Service Information

Information on the southern trailheads and road conditions of the Pecos Wilderness.

Pecos Wilderness office (located in Pecos, NM) of the Santa Fe National Forest: (505) 757.6121

The Carson and Santa Fe National Forest service jointly manage the Pecos Wilderness. For more information click on their respective home pages:

Santa Fe National Forest
1474 Rodeo Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone:(505) 438-7840
Fax:(505) 438-7834

Santa Fe National Forest Home Page

Camino Real Ranger District (Carson National Forest)
P.O. Box 68
Penasco, NM 87553
(505)587-2255

Carson National Forest and information on any fire restrictions website

Sangre de Cristo Mountains Avalanche Information:

Note: This information pertains to the southern Colorado Sangre de Cristo mountains, however the Pecos Wilderness could be included because it is so close to the Colorado border and is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Avalanche Information website

Mountain Conditions

Images



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