West Baldy Trail #94, AZ :: Camping

[nicolelee]

Hello! I live down in Tucson and I want to make it up to this hike. Is there camping near by? What is the best town to stay in to make getting to this trail-head in the early morning easy? Thanks guys

[azbackpackr]

The trailhead is closest to Eagar, Springerville and Pinetop. Eagar has a Best Western. Springerville has a lot of motels, as does Pinetop.

Most people who camp before hiking it go to Winn Campground, not far from either of the two Baldy trailheads, East and West.

[Nighthiker]

Agree with azbackpacker, set up base camp at Winn Campground.

[Tortoise_Hiker]

Big Lake isn't that far either for camping. They even have showers for a few bucks if you wanted to hit one. Of course you could just jump in the creek! Thompson Trail is close by too for an easy 6 mile out and back hike.

[RowdyandMe]

@Tortoise Hiker
Is the water warm in the creek?

[Nighthiker]

Winn campground also has showers but no electric.

[whereveriroam]

Big Lake is nice but its popular with RV'ers. Generator noise seems to be the norm at Big Lake from 6AM to 9PM or 10 PM. I like using the Gaballon CG near the E. Baldy TH its small and only has a vault toilet but is quiet.

[azbackpackr]

@Tortoise Hiker
Is the water warm in the creek?

I swam in the creek one time, just to say I'd done it, along the Thompson Trail. It was amazingly cold.

[Tortoise_Hiker]

Yep, it's cold.