Baldy Alto is located in the remote Northeastern San Juans within the 129,626 acre La Garita Wilderness. This spectacular wilderness is located within the jurisdiction of the Grand Mesa/Uncompahgre/Gunnison National forest and the Rio Grande National Forest of Colorado. The peak itself is located in the Gunnison National Forest.

Baldy Alto sits halfway between the two highest peaks in this area, San LuisPeak(14,019) and Stewart Peak (13,983), and can be combined with either or both of these peaks. Although the peak is an easy scramble like it's neighbors, the main attraction is the spectacular views from the summit and the abudant wildlife. Peaks as far south as New Mexico can be seen from the summit, as well as a 360 degree view which includes the San Juans, Sawatch, Elk, and Sangre de Cristo Range. More than half of all the 14ers in the state of Colorado can be viewed. Beaver pond after beaver pond with grazing elk can be expected on the hike in. Bring binoculars.

Getting There

This is definitely the most remote and complicated route to any fourteener trailhead. I would highly recommend getting "Gunnison Basin Area" map.

7 and 1/2 miles east of Gunnison or 33 miles west of Monarch pass on Colorado state highway 50, take highway 114 south. Drive 20 miles and take a right on NN14 (also called Forest Service Road 3083 on the Uncompahgre National Forest map although not marked on the road). There will be a sign pointing to Old Agency something or other ( I forgot the 3rd word and incorrect in Roach's book) at this intersection. Drive south for approx. 3.1 miles and turn west (right) on KK 14 (also called Forest Service Road 3084). The road becomes Forest Service 788. Approx. 9 miles after turning on KK 14, continue straight (left) on forest service road 790. Drive 10 more miles and take a left on Forest Service Road 794.28 (Perfecto Creek Road). Drive approx. 4 more miles and turn right on Forest Service Road 794. Drive approx. 4 and 1/2 miles to the trailhead at 10,460 ft. in elevation.

Views From the Summit

Red Tape

This road will be closed in the winter and spring before meltoff. Call the National Forest office for road closure information.

There are no fees to enter this wilderness, but wilderness rules apply. 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.

Dry conditions may warrant fire restrictions at any time. See the national forest websites for further information.

Current fire restrictions:

Colorado Office of Emergency Management

NATIONAL FOREST CONTACT INFORMATION:

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests
2250 Highway 50
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-6600

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
(970) 874-6660

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Website

Rio Grande National Forest

Supervisor's Office
1803 West Hwy 160
Monte Vista, CO 81144
Phone: (719) 852-5941
TDDY: (719) 852-6271

Conejos Peak Ranger District
15571 County Road T.5
LaJara, CO 81140
Phone: (719) 274-8971
TDD: (719) 274-6339

Divide Ranger District (Creede)
Third and Creede Avenue
Creede, CO 81130
Phone: (719) 658-2556
TDD: (719) 658-0217 ext 6405

Divide Ranger District
13308 West Hwy 160
Del Norte, CO 81132
Phone: (719) 657-3321
TDD: (719 657-6038

Saguache Ranger District
46525 State Hwy 114
Saguache, CO 81149
Phone: (719) 655-2547
TDD: (719) 655-2547

Email: mailroom_r2_rio_grande@fs.fed.us

Rio Grande National Forest Website

Information on avalanche conditions:

Colorado Avalanche Information Center

When To Climb

Late May through October depending on snow conditions. Climbing in the winter is not practical because of road closures far from the trailhead.

Camping

There are several locations to camp near the trailhead. The first prime location is about 1.9 miles before you get to the Stewart Creek trailhead at the Nutras Creek Crossing and Trailhead. Just before the crossing and a few yards up the Nutras Creek Trail is a nice area and there is a very nice grassy area to the right after crossing Nutras Creek. About 1/2 mile up the road from Nutras Creek there is a location in the trees on the right and another located down the hill a bit on the right. Another camping area can be found on the left side of the road just before getting to the Stewart Creek Trailhead.

Mountain Conditions

Images



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