AE7AP's blog

W7M/GA-046, Cliff Mountain

2.1 miles, +760 ft, -130 ft

0.9 miles, +500 ft, -100 ft

This is a pleasant hike through a thick lodgepole pine forest.  The summit is a grassy meadow with some trees and views of the forested hills to the west.  It is prudent to take a chain saw for the drive in, in case if the road is blocked.  Note that the road is not open to motorized use from Oct. 15 – June 30.  The road is suitable for all vehicles.

On-Trail, 2.5 miles, +2,240 ft

Baldy Mountain is a locally popular on-trail hike to one of the high points in the East Pioneer Mountains.  The foundation of the old fire lookout provides some shelter in the event of windy conditions.  We saw one other party on the mountain on a nice Saturday during the summer.

0.5 mi, +200 feet

4.3 mi, +2,800 feet; -80 feet

From the town of Augusta, drive west past Nilan Reservoir to the vicinity of the Benchmark Airport.  The trailhead is near the south end of the airport runway 0.15 miles after crossing the bridge over Fairview Creek.  The trail (Fairview Creek, TR-204) is clearly marked.  Park in the wide area alongside the road just past the trailhead.  The Benchmark road is a gravel road that is suitable for all vehicles.

1.6 mi, +1,300 feet, -40 feet

This is an easy off-trail hike.  There are likely nice views from the summit, but it was socked in when I was there, so I can’t say for sure.

2.8 mi, +1,200 feet, -200 feet

The hike to this summit is off-trail through a thick lodgepole and fir forest.  Although the undergrowth is only calf high, there is a moderate amount of deadfall through most of the hike, which makes for slower going.

4.8 mi, +1,870 feet, -600 feet

This is a nice hike on a good trail with great views – particularly of the Red Mountain & Caribou Mountain regions of the Scapegoat Wilderness.  This hike is close enough to the Scapegoat Wilderness that it is prudent to be Bear-Aware.

2.9 mi, +1,800 feet, -200 feet

4.3 mi, +2,100 feet

This is a good earlier season hike that offers spectacular views and some isolation after leaving the main Sun River Trail.