Pecos Baldy Ridge

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Page Type: Route

Location: New Mexico, United States, North America

Lat/Lon: 35.90890°N / 105.6661°W

Route Type: Class 2 hike/scramble

Time Required: Most of a day

Difficulty: Class 2

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Page By: truchas

Created/Edited: Jun 6, 2004 / Jun 6, 2004

Object ID: 161160

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Table of Contents

Approach

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 here.

Route Description

At Jack's Creek Campground, begin hiking on trail #25. The trailhead elevation is 8400 ft. The trail begins an ascent due north, then climbs 4 switchbacks up to a forested ridge. The trail continues north and at about mile one and 1/2, the trail splits. Take the left hand split towards Pecos Baldy Lake which will now be trail # 257. At mile 6 you will arrive at the beautiful Pecos Baldy Lake.

Make your way around Pecos Baldy Lake on the south side (left). Scramble up to a prominent saddle to your left, south of the summit. At the saddle, hike straight up and over some rocks where you will intersect a trail. Follow this switchbacking trail all the way to the summit of East Pecos Baldy.

From East Pecos Baldy follow the obvious ridge towards Pecos Baldy. The first 1/2 is an easy 1st class hike down and over one small subpoint. Just after the subpoint you will begin to encounter some easy 2nd class terrain. From the lowpoint which is only about 280 ft. lower than East Pecos Baldy, either head directly over the ridge for more fun, or drop down a bit to your left for some easier terrain. The crux is about halfway up to the summit where there is a steep 2nd class climb where mountain goats frequently hang out. Finish your scramble directly on the ridge up to the summit.

Essential Gear

A good pair of trail runners will get you to the summit. In winter, snowshoes, an ice axe, and crampons are highly recommended. Camping within the immediate vicinity of Pecos Baldy Lake is not allowed; however, there are plenty of camping spaces near Pecos Baldy Lake.

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