Is this the most BEAUTIFUL trail in Arizona?
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Published 2022-09-06
I don't know for sure. There is a lot of beauty in Arizona. But the White Mountains keep calling me back. The desert certainly has it's own beauty, but if you live there, it can leave you wanting pine forests, mountain streams and rainy weather. But Arizona has all of that too. About a 4 1/2 hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona lie the White Mountains. They are some of the most scenic mountains I've been to. And of all my trips up there, the West Baldy Trail is the one that calls be back the most.
There are a few ways to hike this trail. You can day hike it like we did. Take the West Baldy Trail up to the 'summit' and back. You start in a thick pine and aspen forest. It makes you think of Colorado more than Arizona. Soon after, you're treated with meadows surrounded by the pines. Running through the middle is the Little Colorado River. If you've seen the Little Colorado further downstream, it's amazing to see it's humble beginnings. Crystal clear water, creating a fly fisherman's utopia. Further up the trail, you enter a dense pine forest, filled with mushrooms, moss and the sound of running water. The Baldy Trail receives rain almost daily, adding to the atmosphere. Then things get serious. The trail steeply climbs up toward Mount Baldy. Eventually you find yourself in the midst of a forest of dead pines. I'm not sure if they died from avalanche or the Wallow Fire, but the change in scenery makes this feel like more of an adventure. Eventually, you will reach the top. But it's not the top. The summit of Mount Baldy is on White Mountain Apache land. It is a sacred place to the White Mountain Apache and I've heard you are not supposed to continue to the top without approval to do so. So that's where we turn around. If you have more time than we did, you can take the East Baldy Trail and make a loop out of your return. Regardless of what path you take, this is one of the most amazing and beautiful hikes (or backpacking trips) I've ever done here in Arizona. I cannot recommend it enough.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Biome - Ever So Blue
Jamais perdu - Lo Mimieux
Spirals - Arden Forest
Organic Bijou - Ooyy
All Comments (21)
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Your cinematography just keeps on getting better and better. As always thanks for bringing us along. 🙏
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Okay! The shot of the mushrooms in the moss with the bug was 🔥🔥🔥! There’s so much I want to explore in Arizona.
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One of my favorites. Have taken many scout troops to the top. I love the meadows. The Airforce wreckage is alway a surprise for scouts along with the snow at the top in June/July.
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Thanks again Jerry for the beautiful hike! I’m glad your wife is out and hope she’s feeling better!
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You did it again. This beautiful video brings the peace and connection I feel when hiking. And it's too good with the addition of Tina's comments, close up smiles and generous appearances of her finger. Always great to see both of you adventuring together. Thanks again.
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Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to enjoy this!
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We were just up there last week. I love that trail. Yes, it is probably the most beautiful trail I’ve been on in AZ. The views are stunning.
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Beautiful high mountain area & great video as always Jerry. Thank you for sharing.
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Looks like a beautiful hike 👍
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We used to do backpacking trips up Baldy when I was a kid in the early 80's.
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Loved the music piece. Your videos make me fall in love with Arizona, all over again. Thanks for this treat
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I am enjoying your videos! This one was cool! All parts, from wildflowers to wreckage and rain, sun to finger waving, lol. Keep up the great work!
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We came upon a newborn elk on this trail several years ago. Magical. Thanks for taking me back to those memories....
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I absolutely love that you have been adding natural sounds more and more because it adds so so much to the video. The babbling of the brooks, the rustling of the trail under your feet. It is almost like being there!
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Is the big happy jerry hour this weekend?? Timmy C Arizona
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It is a beautiful trail, Want to hike it now. Congratulations on your growing channel guys, getting alot of comments lately .I Enjoy your work. ( seems like you enjoy it two.)
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Absolutely beautiful! I can see why it's a favorite. Jerry, your videos have cemented what I already knew, and it's that I belong in Arizona. I've gotta figure out a way to get back out there.
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we just came back from the area last week. Spectacular place.
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As always, this was amazing. I haven't watched you in a while, life's been unkind, but I'm glad I caught you guys tonight. Nice to see your beautiful smile again Tina. 😊
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Beautiful.
