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An extremely steep, leg-burning climb up to Bonneville County's high point with amazing views.


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Map Key

9.2

Miles

14.9

KM

Out and Back

9,900' 3,018 m

High

5,967' 1,819 m

Low

3,934' 1,199 m

Up

3,933' 1,199 m

Down

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

69%

Max Grade (35°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Snow will fly as early as October and will stay until late May, early June. Any trail closures or wildfire information will be posted at the trailhead.

Overview

An hour outside of Idaho Falls and just north of Palisades Reservoir are several amazing trails. This is one of them. It is not very popular as visitors opt for the far easier destination trails of the Lower & Upper Palisades Lake trails just to the northwest. This trail is difficult but worth the effort.

Need to Know

Have sturdy footwear and strong legs because this will test your limits. An iron lung or two won't hurt either.

Description

Starting at the! Little Elk Creek Trail, follow the trail up the canyon. This is an EXTREMELY grueling climb. In the early summer, you may find a few creeks to cross. Mid to late summer, the creek beds are dried up. Plan on bringing all the water you'll need for your run with you.

The Little Elk Creek Trail is an easy trail to follow, even in the dark under a headlamp. After constant uphill for over 3 miles you approach the northern section of the canyon, the trail will fork. At this point, you have actually passed Mt. Baird to the east. One trail will turn left to the northwest and the other to the east, toward Mt. Baird. Follow the trail to the east on your right. Once you have the mountain peak in view, there will be a meadow. At this point, the trail to the ridge and to the top of Mt. Baird is sparse, and you'll need to make your own way.

Getting to the northwestern ridge is the best way possible to reach the summit. At some points, you may find yourself on all fours, like the mountain goats that are almost always trotting around on Mt. Baird above you. This mapped trail goes through some minor scramble sections. This section can be avoided by going further along the hill and climbing to the ridge after you pass the rocks, taking a more diagonal/sidehill approach instead of a straight southward climb.

Continue on the ridgeline all the way up to the top of the peak. At one point it will look impossible and you may be tempted to side hill around the south end of the approach. This route takes you to the southern ridge that connects to Elkhorn Peak. This is a beautiful climb as well but a longer one.

Be prepared for some amazing views as you top out with the Grand Tetons to the north, Palisades to the south and the Wind Rivers to the east. Congratulations, you made it to the highest point in all of Bonneville County!

Flora & Fauna

Mountain goats can be seen all over the peaks in this area. Mid to late summer there are no water sources so besides the white kings & queens of the trails, other critters will be scarce. Wildflowers cover the hillsides in early to mid summer. Pine trees dot the lower sections but the peaks and ridges are bare.

History & Background

Mt. Baird is the highest point in all of Bonneville County.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jeff Fullmer

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 5 votes

#2495

Overall
  4.6 from 5 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#31

in Idaho

#2,495

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5 Views Last Month
4,012 Since Sep 29, 2016
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Photos

Looking to the north at the top of Baird you are rewarded with a fantastic view of the Tetons. Pictures don't do it justice.
Jul 13, 2018 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
The approach to Mt. Baird traverses rugged terrain.
Jul 1, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
The approach to Mt. Baird.
Jul 30, 2021 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Climbing up the hillside to get to the northwest ridge line. Morning sunrises can be magical.
Oct 4, 2016 near Victor, ID
Chasing the summit on the northwest ridge.
Oct 4, 2016 near Victor, ID
The northwest ridgeline showing the typical terrain on Mt. Baird.
Oct 4, 2016 near Victor, ID

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