Overview
Old Baldy is the rounded summit just east of South Arapaho Peak, looking straight across at the Arapaho Glacier cirque. You follow the Arapaho Glacier Trail up to where it meets the ridge on Old Baldy's west side, then walk east along the ridge on a use trail.
It is Class 1 to 2, rocky near the top. From the saddle it takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
The round trip is about 8.3 miles with 2,900 feet of gain. Most people pair it with South Arapaho.
Plan of the day
By 6:30 a.m.
Be at the saddle by 10:30 a.m.
Nothing hard; boulders near the top.
Easy. From the saddle, walk east along the crest.
Streams along the lower trail. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Fourth of July
From Nederland on Colorado 119, turn onto County Road 130 toward Eldora. Pass Nederland High School and the road up to Eldora ski area; about 1.8 miles later you reach the town of Eldora. Drive through town, where the road turns to dirt.
About three-quarters of a mile after the dirt starts, keep right at the sign for the Fourth of July trailhead and Buckingham Campground. It is about 4 more miles past cabins to the trailhead, in the upper lot just past the campground. Most cars make it, but not very low ones. The lot fills early on summer weekends.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Fourth of July. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →