Cold Springs Trail (#328): This trail traverses the south slopes of Baldy, crossing several large,sage-covered bowls. It is theroute used for the famous “Cheeso Double” event in the Baldy Hill Climb. Riders race up the mountain firstbefore downloading the lift to join the traditional foot-race to the top. The Cold Springs Trail was designed more for providing out-of-boundsskiers a convenient way back to the ski lifts than for biking. The first application is wonderful,while the second leaves bikers a little bored as they cross miles of similarterrain without much variation in the pitch. The views from the Clear Creek Lookout are worth at leastone visit a summer.
From late June through early September, the Sun Valley Resort runs the River Run chairlifts to the top of Bald Mountain. This provides easy access to downhill hiking and mountain biking, dining in one of the mountain restaurants, or simply enjoying the spectacular views from the summit. Uphill hikers generally take the shortest route to the summit via Bald Mountain Trail.
Mountain Biking: There are fourdifferent trails that climb to the top of Bald Mountain. Only two, the Warm Springs and Cold Springs trails, are open to downhill mountain bike traffic from the summit (the Traverse Trail links into Warm Springs Trail about halfway down) The Bald Mountain Trail is open to UPHILL bike traffic only. For uphill biking, Bald Mountain Trail offers the shortest route to the summit. Any of the mountain service roads (dark grey lines) are open to both up and downhill riding and hiking. Bald Mountain has a reputation for rocky trails and flat tires so be sure to bring at least twospare tubes.
*For more detailed descriptions, topo maps, and information on the history, geology, and wildflowers of the Wood River Valley pick up a copy of Exploring Sun Valley online or find it at one of several local shops.