This 14-mile (round trip) trail is rated as moderate but it does have some strenuous sections. Usage is moderate most of the year but that section of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day can see heavy traffic. Snowdrifts can block upper portions of the trail as late as June.

This trail is foot or horseback only as it enters and travels in the Mt. Baldy Wilderness. The trail parallels the East Fork of the Little Colorado River through a long meadow for about 1.5 miles, then it reaches the timber and heads uphill. In this first half mile up you'll gain about 800 feet in elevation, then the uphill grade eases off a bit. Lots of sandstone boulders interspersed among the stands of mixed conifers. And the views are something else: Big Lake, Crescent Lake, White Mountain Apache Reservation, Black River Valley, Escudilla Mountain, the Blue Range and into the Gila National Forest in New Mexico.

This trail merges with the trail from Sheeps Crossing in a saddle below Mt. Thomas, about 7 miles from the trailhead where you probably left your car. This is almost to the top of Mt. Baldy but unless you are a tribal member of the White Mountain Apaches, the summit is off-limits. You can either head back the way you came or go 7 miles across the hill to Sheep's Crossing and find your way back to the car from there.

As this is wilderness area, sign in at the trailhead register and leave your mountain bikes, motorized vehicles and power tools behind (cameras seem to be okay, though). Groups are limited to 12 hikers or riders, 6 for camping.

Elevation: 9,300' to 11,200'

Access: There is one trailhead on the north side of the East Fork of the Little Colorado, off of AZ 273. There is a second one at Gabaldon Campground. The two trails merge within 1/4 mile of their starting points.

USGS Maps: 279 NE Mt. Ord, 280 NW Big Lake