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A short, easy hike with breathtaking scenery and terrain.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.5

KM

Out and Back

2,383' 726 m

High

2,307' 703 m

Low

110' 34 m

Up

110' 34 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Overview

A hike to marvel at the breathtaking grandeur of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and panoramic views of South and East Bay hills.

Need to Know

This is one trail you do not want to fall off of - it goes 1500 feet straight down.... unless you get stuck in a tree top on the way down.

Description

The Bald Mountain Trail starts high in the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains. At the trailhead, one can look almost straight down into creek valleys that are 1,500 feet below.

Bald Mountain Trail traverses an extremely steep, brush-covered hillside, for the first one third mile. The rugged ridges of the Santa Cruz Mountains are across a deep creek valley, to the right of the trail, making for a rather breathtaking experience. After rounding a bend to the right, the grass covered summit of Bald Mountain comes into view. From here, it is a short distance to the dome shaped summit of Bald Mountain at 2,387 feet.

The summit of Bald Mountain is a gently sloped grass-covered dome. The views in all directions are amazing. Some of the Santa Cruz Mountains highest peaks can be seen - Mt. Umunhum to the west at 3,486 ft. and Loma Prieta to the southeast, the tallest mountain in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 3,786 ft. To the northeast, the Quicksilver Hills, San Jose countryside, and East Bay Hills can be seen. Almaden Reservoir is close by to the east. This is a great place to spend some time and marvel at nature's creations!

When finished, return to the trailhead over the same route that brought you to the summit of Bald Mountain.

Flora & Fauna

Brush, grass.

Contacts

Shared By:

Joan Pendleton

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 5 votes

#3444

Overall
  4.2 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#479

in California

#3,444

Overall
10 Views Last Month
2,045 Since Feb 25, 2017
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Photos

The Valley of the Heart's Delight (AKA San Jose and its countryside) offers a beautiful scene from the summit of Bald Mountain.
Feb 26, 2017 near Almaden…, CA
The morning sun sweeping across the mountain.
Oct 27, 2018 near Almaden…, CA
Rugged ridges stand with Loma Prieta, the highest peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains, in the distance.
Feb 26, 2017 near Almaden…, CA
Approaching the summit of Bald Mountain, enjoy rolling hills blanketed in grassy meadows.
Feb 25, 2017 near Almaden…, CA
Mt. Umunhum (3,486 ft) can be seen from the summit of Bald Mountain (2,387 ft).
Feb 25, 2017 near Almaden…, CA
Ridges ripple the Santa Cruz Mountains with Loma Prieta on the left.
Feb 25, 2017 near Almaden…, CA

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