Baldy south peak GR 373520 via Baldy Pass Scramble on 4-Dec-2025

Participants: Damian, Ingrid, Stephanie

Trip Distance: 11.19km

Total Elevation Gain: 771m

Total Time: 3h50min

We started out under beautiful blue skies and a non-existent wind through the pass. The ambient temperature was very mild and most of the crew were down to base layers while walking through the pass. Once at the junction between Baldy South and Midnight Peak, the winds kicked up and we immediately layered up.

The winds were strong and enough and must have been over the past few days as well to almost burry and sign of the trail. We were fortunate to be following behind some big horned sheep who broke some of the trail for us; however, the wind slab was mid-calf deep in some spots and there was a hard crust of snow.

Higher up on the ridge we saw our trail companions, who were helping to break some trail for us.

They were hanging out right above the scramble section, and before we made our way up, they decided that they were going to come down.

Even with the snow, the short scramble was enjoyable, making us all wish for the warm weather and sunny days to return soon. Beyond the scramble we continued up the ridge, but the higher we went the more intense the winds became, and there were fewer and fewer places to find any shelter from the wind.

After pushing a little further along the wind slabbed ridge, we could see our objective in sight. The great news was it was clear of snow and avalanche danger, the challenge were now the gale-force winds, pushing both Ingrid and Stephanie around.

After a short discussion, we all agreed that while the summit of South Baldy would be nice, enduring the winds getting there would be misery, and the summit stay would be short-lived. We instead decided that part-way along the ridge would be our high point for the day.

Although it was a short day out the views were great, and it was well worth the trip out of the city!