Mount Baird, ID (10,025')
Intro | The Ascent | Getting There | Facts
We weren't planning on climbing Mount Baird. Our plans were to climb the Middle Teton, but because of weather, we didn't leave Idaho Falls until around 9:30 AM. Looking through a guide book, we found Mount Baird, the highest peak in Bonnaville County. Starting at about 11:30 AM, we expected to reach the summit rather quickly as the quide book said it was only 3.5 miles and only about 1,600' up. After a long hike, we could make out the base of Mount Baird through the clouds and pushed for the summit. It turned out to be around 9 or 10 miles and a gain of 4,100' in elevation. We got back to our car shortly before 7 and drove down the road until our muffler fell of. After tying it back on, we drove to Swan Valley for a couple of square ice cream cones.
Intro | The Ascent | Getting There | Facts
At the trailhead I think there was a sign that said "Elkhorn Peak" or something. Whatever it says, start hiking northeast on this trail. If you don't see an abandoned riverbed to the left (with lots of little pebbles) within an hour you are on the wrong trail. Keep hiking until you climb up the right side of the valley. You will start to see lots of rocks (which would probably be good for climbing, we just didn't have time) and eventually the trail will lead you through some cliffs. You are now about half way to the summit. The landscape now opens up into a green valley with large cliffs and peaks to your left. You probably could see Mount Baird from here, but the day we went up it was very foggy. Ahead of you there will be a large ridge blocking your trail. The trail switchback up this and eventually reaches the top. On this ridge, you can go west to some waterfalls and lakes (I don't know how far) or east, to Mount Baird.
Here we ate a litttle lunch and started hiking toward what we though was Mount Baird. In the fog, the topo and compass was really helpful. We went up the ridge on the west side, which was pretty steep but looked like the best way. Most of the way was in mist, but occasionally we could see Palisade's Reservoir. At the summit, there is a metal survey marker. There are also some old fence poles and barbed wire, fallen from lightning. We went down the same way because of low visiblity and lack of knowledge of the area.
The way back was pretty easy, and because of the gentely sloping trail you can jog most of the way. The return hike was quite enjoyable, especially in the light rain.
Intro | TheAscent | Getting There | Facts
Intro | The Ascent | Getting There | Facts
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Miles (round trip) |
9-10 |
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Time |
This climb takes about eight hours if you hurry, coming down we jogged most of the way because it was getting dark. |
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Elevation Gain |
4,100' |
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Trailhead Elevation |
5,920' |
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Summit Elevation |
10,025' |
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Hiking Terrain |
Dense forest, abandned river bed, steep mountain shale. |
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TOPO's |
Mount Baird Quadrangle (for summit)
Palisades Dam Quadrangle (for trailhead) |
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Water |
We did not see any streams, but in early spring you could find water to filter. As a rule we generally take lots of water with us. |
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Views |
We wouldn't know because the summit was socked in by fog. You are supossed to be able to see the Grant Teton, Palisades Reservoir and other area peaks. |
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Weather |
When we went, it was kind of stormy. After getting to the ridge below the summit, it started raining but we continued on up. If there is any lightning, I wouldn't summit as there is an old post at the top that has been struck. If there is only fog and the weather seems OK, then I would go for it. Also, on the summit there was an inversion so it was much warmer than the start of the trail. |
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Knowledge of climbing needed |
Mount Baird is just a hike. The last half mile or so is quite steep and there are a few dropoffs, so you do want to be careful. |
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My opinion of this hike |
I loved this hike, possibly because I like hiking in the rain. Getting to the summit was a great feeling. |
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Other |
Coming down is a little steep in places, but if you want, you can jog to reduce the knee strain. |