Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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44.55000°N / 80.58°W |
Route Type:
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hike |
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Time Required:
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Less than two hours |
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Difficulty:
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walk up |
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Approach
To get to Old Baldy simply follow the instructions in the ‘getting there’ section on the main page. From Highway 4 you take Grey County road 13 until you reach 6-7 sideroad which provides an easy route up to the Old Baldy parking lot where the trailhead is located.
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Route Description
Officially known as the Old Baldy Conservation area trial, this trail is a loop that gently rises up though a mixed forest of birches and elms, spruce and balsam until it reaches the edge of the of the bluffs. The trail is clear and easy to follow and is marked by white blazes on trees and rocks at regular intervals.
To get to the base you can either rappel down to the base or head to the second tower which is Kimberley Rock. There is a rock bridge that spans the distance from the bluff to the spire, form here there are a series of ledge on the left or northern side that one can easily use to get to the base of the cliff… the moves are at best maybe 5.2. The last option is to follow the trail past Kimberley Rock to where it descends down into a small valley. The trail branches one section hugs the edge of the bluffs while the other turns into the forest. Take the section that parallels the bluff. At the base near the floor of the valley if you hug the bluffs you will notice a small game trail that the deer use that flows the rock walls down to the foot of Kimberley Rock. It is a slippery and tricky descent in the winter or when it is rainy but otherwise is very straightforward.
Essential Gear
In terms of equipment, in a light daypack all I can see one needing is water and food, some sunscreen; a sturdy pair of boots and a walking stick can be handy as well. If climbing bring your regular equipment… nothing special is required here though you could check when you apply for the permits to check if there are route closures and if there is specific equipment required.
Miscellaneous Info
If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.