Hike Baldy no es Cinco, Baldy Cinco, Snow Mesa 13ers Gunnison National Forest, CO

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Baldy no es Cinco, Baldy Cinco, Snow Mesa 13ers GPX Track

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Jul 13, 2026 — This group of four 13ers are located on the north end of Snow Mesa, and are easily accessibly by using the Colorado Trail (shared with the Continental Divide Trail here) for the approach and return. The remainder of the outing requires basically just hiking up and down the tundra-covered peaks on generally moderate grades.

I started from Spring Creek Pass and followed the Colorado Trail as it climbed steadily up toward Snow Mesa. Once I broke out of the trees, the trail gave way to a vast expanse of open tundra. I left the trail and first headed up to Baldy no es Cinco, wandering across the high plateau with the four 13ers spread out ahead of me. The climb across the tundra was gradual and uncomplicated, and I reached the summit without encountering anything of note.

I then made my way over to Baldy Cinco, descending to the saddle before climbing back up its broad ridge. The terrain remained mostly grassy with a few rocky sections. From there, I continued toward Peak 13168. The terrain became increasingly rocky near its summit, but this was short-lived. The east ridge of Peak 13168 become notably more steep, so I avoided the rockier terrain by descending slightly farther to the south and then contouring to the saddle separating it from the fourth 13er, Peak 13505.

To tackle Peak 13505, I chose to head directly up the ridgeline from the saddle, which resulted in some light Class 2, but a couple of social trails brought me up. Alternatively, you could follow the Colorado Trail farther east and approach directly from the south. This was another tundra hike to its summit, but I thought the views were best here.

I backtracked to the saddle and made quick work along the Colorado Trail as it led back across Snow Mesa, on the south side of the four mellow 13ers.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Baldy no es Cinco

13310 ft

388 rise

Baldy Cinco

13389 ft

834 rise

Peak 13168

13168 ft

494 rise

Peak 13505

13505 ft

1570 rise

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Starting from Spring Creek Pass along the Colorado Trail.

Morning light as I ascend the Colorado Trail.

Up to Snow Mesa above, using a rocky break in the rim.

View back down from the rim.

Colorado Trail along Snow Mesa. Baldy no es Cinco seen left, Baldy Cinco just to its right.

I headed north through the tundra toward Baldy no es Cinco.

View back the way I came, the rim weakness the Colorado Trail ascended seen top left.

Baldy no es Cinco just ahead.

Baldy no es Cinco summit, view southwest.

Baldy no es Cinco summit, view east toward Baldy Cinco.

View back toward Baldy no es Cinco on my way up Baldy Cinco.

Now heading down Baldy Cinco.

Descent from Baldy Cinco, Peak 13168 next along the rim.

View back toward Baldy Cinco.

Nearing the summit of Peak 13168, another shot back.

The east ridge of Peak 13168 had some rocky stuff, so I just avoided it by dropping slightly farther south.

View back up toward the east ridge of Peak 13168.

Saddle with Peak 13505.

Class 2 from the saddle.

Peak 13505 ahead.

Peak 13505 summit, view south. Peak 13168 seen on the right.

Peak 13505 summit, view east toward San Luis Peak.

I backtracked to the Colorado Trail and followed it along Snow Mesa on the south side of the four 13ers I just did.

View back toward Peak 13505.

Colorado Trail.

Baldy Cinco up there somewhere in the center.

A long tundra stroll back along the Colorado Trail.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!