Mt. Baird Out and Back

Starting at the! Little Elk Creek Trailhead, 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!

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