North Arapaho Peak and Old Baldy in Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, CO

Hike North Arapaho Peak and Old Baldy Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, CO

Class 3 11.3 miles 4200 gain 5-7 hrs Out + Back Jul 25, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

North Arapaho Peak and Old Baldy GPX Track

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A fairly moderate series of switchbacks leads along a nice trail to the base of South Arapaho Peak, where you get nice views of the Arapaho Glacier. Class 2 follows to the summit of South Arapaho Peak, cairns marking the way (or just stick to the ridge), and then a few Class 3 moves takes you from South to North Arapaho Peak. It's really fun and not hard to route-find, and the views of Longs Peak and the surrounding Indian Peaks Wilderness is great.

On the way back, I hiked up a moderate slope to Old Baldy, another Colorado 13er. The views toward North Arapaho Peak and Arapaho Glacier are wonderful.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
South Arapaho Peak
13397 ft
77 rise
2
North Arapaho Peak
13502 ft
1665 rise
3
Old Baldy
13038 ft
318 rise

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Starting along the trail to Arapaho Pass.
Starting along the trail to Arapaho Pass.
The trail slowly gains elevation, but gets higher on the mountainside and there are views very soon after starting from the trailhead.
The trail slowly gains elevation, but gets higher on the mountainside and there are views very soon after starting from the trailhead.
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Higher up on the mountainside with great views of Mt. Jasper and Mt. Neva.
Higher up on the mountainside with great views of Mt. Jasper and Mt. Neva.
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Arapaho Pass ahead, but turn right at the junction.
Arapaho Pass ahead, but turn right at the junction.
After turning at the trail junction, going toward Arapaho Glacier, you get this view of South Arapaho Peak (right).
After turning at the trail junction, going toward Arapaho Glacier, you get this view of South Arapaho Peak (right).
Looking back.
Looking back.
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A bit along the way up the Arapaho Glacier Trial, looking down the valley I came up - the Fourth of July Trailhead is down there somewhere in the trees.
A bit along the way up the Arapaho Glacier Trial, looking down the valley I came up - the Fourth of July Trailhead is down there somewhere in the trees.
Looking back just before getting to the Arapaho Glacier overlook.
Looking back just before getting to the Arapaho Glacier overlook.
South Arapaho Peak on the right.
South Arapaho Peak on the right.
Arapaho Glacier on the right, South Arapaho left.
Arapaho Glacier on the right, South Arapaho left.
Heading up South Arapaho Peak's ridge.
Heading up South Arapaho Peak's ridge.
A view of the Arapaho Glacier and a gorgeous colorful lake (looking east).
A view of the Arapaho Glacier and a gorgeous colorful lake (looking east).
Looking back as I start up the South Arapaho ridge.
Looking back as I start up the South Arapaho ridge.
The South Arapaho ridge. Class 2.
The South Arapaho ridge. Class 2.
Almost to the summit of South Arapaho Peak. North Arapaho Peak visible on the right. Longs Peak way in the distance on the right.
Almost to the summit of South Arapaho Peak. North Arapaho Peak visible on the right. Longs Peak way in the distance on the right.
South Arapaho Peak summit looking toward Mt. Jasper and Mt. Neva (southwest).
South Arapaho Peak summit looking toward Mt. Jasper and Mt. Neva (southwest).
Continuing along the ridgeline toward North Arapaho Peak.
Continuing along the ridgeline toward North Arapaho Peak.
North Arapaho Peak, center right.
North Arapaho Peak, center right.
Some fun Class 3 moves along the ridge.
Some fun Class 3 moves along the ridge.
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North Arapaho Peak ahead.
North Arapaho Peak ahead.
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Crazy rock slabs along the ridgeline.
Crazy rock slabs along the ridgeline.
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Some more difficult Class 3 moves coming up.
Some more difficult Class 3 moves coming up.
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There's a gully between the two massive boulders that I took to get up, but it seemed the more obvious route (it was cairned) went off to the left somewhere. I took that on the way back and it was less sketchy.
There's a gully between the two massive boulders that I took to get up, but it seemed the more obvious route (it was cairned) went off to the left somewhere. I took that on the way back and it was less sketchy.
Almost on North Arapaho Peak, looking back toward South Arapaho Peak.
Almost on North Arapaho Peak, looking back toward South Arapaho Peak.
Looking toward Arapaho Pass and Mt. Neva.
Looking toward Arapaho Pass and Mt. Neva.
North Arapaho Peak ahead.
North Arapaho Peak ahead.
View of the Arapaho Glacier, the ridgeline I came along on the right.
View of the Arapaho Glacier, the ridgeline I came along on the right.
North Arapaho Peak.
North Arapaho Peak.

Hire me or show me some love!

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!