Started off on the trail at 6:30 am and didn’t meet a soul until we were halfway back down. Helped us beat the heat. While you stay in the forest for the first 4 miles, the trail still had a lot of sun that would get hot if you had a late start.
Got a few bug bites the first mile, but then they cleared up and nothing a little bug spray wouldn’t keep off. No snow on the trail, but there are a few downed trees to climb over or around. The trail is well maintained and blue diamonds mark the trail so you can’t get lost. White pompom flowers cover the top of the mountain.
There’s two summits on this one (according to our hiking book). One on each side of the mountain top. The south summit is easily attainable and worth this hike! The north takes some nerve and no fear of heights. If you choose the north summit, you take a narrow ridge, past large boulders with a straight drop down on the one side. Then scramble loose rock up the north side with nothing to catch you if you fall. Dogs and kids are a definite no on the north side. (Just a heads up).
Worth the drive!
Responses
Congratulations, Calandra! You are the first challenger to log a hike up Mount Bailey!
Great photos, too. Thanks for sharing the advice on the north vs south peak. Good intel for other hikers.