Waldo Canyon Trail

Physical Difficulty: Difficult
Technical Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 14 mile round trip
Duration: 3.5 hours

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

The Waldo Canyon Trail is a high altitude ride starting near Rosemont Reservoir (on Old Stage road) and ending at Stratton Reservoir, which is above the tree line. A four wheel drive road is followed for the entire ride, which climbs steadily from 9,900 feet to 12,200 feet. There is one major fork along the way and you should take the right side (FR-379A).

The views, particulary from the top, are exceptional. There are broadcast towers on top of Baldy, and Stratton Reservoir is also a point of interest. The ride down is a blast.

There is a special feeling associated with riding Mount Baldy. Whether it's the views, the experience of riding up through the tree line, or euphoria due to oxygen deprivation is not important. It's a great workout and you will have good memories for a long time.

TRAIL DIRECTIONS

• Take exit 138 off of I-25 (S. Circle Dr.)
• Go West on S. Circle Dr. which then turns into Lake Ave.
• At the Broadmoor Hotel, turn left onto Lake Circle and then left again on Pourtales Rd.
• Turn right onto Mirada Rd. which then puts you on Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. This eventually turns into Old Stage Rd.
• Old Stage Rd. turns into dirt after about a mile. You will continue on this road for just over 12 miles. Stay to the right at the two forks you will pass along the way. You should also pass Emerald Ranch, Wye Campground, & Rosemount Reservoir.
• Just past the parking areas for Rosemount Reservoir, look for FR-379 on the right.
• You can park on the left hand side of the road (accross from FR-379). There should be a small open field bordered by a fence.