Old Baldy Knob via SW ridge Off-Trail hike on 3-Jul-2025
The weather was very good for doing this steep hike up to the Old Baldy ridge. Lots of flowers in the meadows. We found a spot for lunch which was mostly out of the wind with fabulous views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch we descended to the tarn and took the creek trail down the valley. Due to the recent snowfall, there were too many alders bending over the trail plus one area where perhaps a mini avalanche had swept small trees onto the path. After a number of creek crossings and maneuvering under alders/willows, we finally reconnected with our uptrack where the going was easier. Two years ago it was a pleasure to walk down the creek trail but this year it was an annoying experience.
The company of my three hiking companions made this an enjoyable outing as our conversations covered an array of interesting topics. We left the cars around 9:00am and returned at 3:30pm. It took much longer to go down the creek trail than the last time I did this trip.
Taking a break after finally topping out on the ridge
Old Baldy Knob ridge looking towards Old Baldy
Lunch on the ridge
Descending to tarn from ridge