Overview: A pretty day hike for those who want a chance to see a bit of the Wasatch Mountains, especially the western face of Mt. Timpanogos.

• Trail Head: From I-15, take
  exit 272 towards 8^th North in Orem. Turn left at 400 E. Turn right at 200 S/2000 N. Take the 3^rd left onto Dry Canyon Dr. This road will pass some big houses and eventually turn into a dirt road. There is a big parking area at the trailhead. (See Map)
  
  • Coordinates: 40°20'20.26"N 111°40'35.18"W
    
    
• Distance: 3.5 Miles
  
• Difficulty: 3
  
• Hike Time: 4-6 hours
  
• Trail Condition: Well maintained until ridge, rocky and steep to summit
  
• Season: Year Round (snowshoes are preferred during winter)
  

  
  

Detailed Description: Big Baldy shares its name with approximately 5 other peaks in Utah. This one, sometimes referred to as just "Baldy," is a medium-sized, prominent peak at the West face of Mt. Timpanogos. There are two main trails to get to Big Baldy; one of which follows the much steeper south ridge, but the one described here follows Dry Canyon to the east ridge of Big Baldy, the one which connects it to Timpanogos.

There are trail signs pointing the way at nearly every fork until you get to the east ridge – but the funny thing is, none of them mention Big Baldy. At the first fork, choose trail 049, Dry Canyon Trail; this will be the main trail you will need to follow. Just know that there is no sign marking where the trail splits to go up the east ridge of Big Baldy, but it is easy to spot this trail, because if you want to get to the top of Big Baldy, there's no other way to go. Just keep a lookout to your left; the trail will be marked 020 with a brown trail marker. If you continue on this trail, eventually you will reach the Timpooneke trailhead, which is one way to summit Mt. Timpanogos.

Additional information: Expect to travel through large fields of prairie grass, and on wet years, the prairie grass grows over the trail, so it feels like you're walking through the center of a meadow. Most of this is a very open hike, so take plenty of sunscreen and liquids. And, at sunrise, and sunset, be ready to see some wildlife, especially white tailed deer.

During the dead of winter, when the snow has hardened, there is a direct route to the summit of Mt. Timpanogos that experienced climbers use to train for big climbs in the Himalayas. This climb does require snow and ice gear as well as climbing equipment and we suggest only experienced climbers try this.

Maps:

©Google Earth

Pictures: