Nightmare on Baldy

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

The nearest trailhead to Nightmare on Baldy is the Sallie Barber Trailhead 4 miles up French Gulch Road from the intersection of Highway 9.

From the trailhead, head east on French Gulch Road about 300 feet to the intersection on the south side of the road with Sallie Barber Road. Climb 1.3 miles to the high point of the road and the Sallie Barber Mine.

Nightmare on Baldy is across from the mine on the south side of the road. The trail begins steep and rocky. This initial segment is all that remains of the original Nightmare which climbed 300' in 0.3 miles truly earning the name.

The wonderful realignment begins on the right side of the trail after a few hundred feet and covers the 300' climb in a mellow 0.9 miles. The trail crosses an historic mining road (True Romance) and continues up a newly constructed section to the Sister's Hut doubletrack access road.

At True Romance to the right (south) is a wooden chicane used to restrict the trail to non-motorized use. Continue South at True Romance towards Baldy Road, Baker's Tank Trail, or Boreas Pass Road.

For the intrepid, continue to the top, travel south on the access road to Baldy Road above the mine. Descend Baldy Road to the mine, then take FR 520 back to Crossing Route. For the more intrepid, climb Baldy Road to the next switchback, ride south through the switchback, top out and descend back to the top of Pinball Alley.