Is this the most BEAUTIFUL trail in Arizona?

Is this the most BEAUTIFUL trail in Arizona?
I don't know for sure. There is a lot of beauty in Arizona. But the White Mountains keep calling me back. The desert certainly has it's own beauty, but if you live there, it can leave you wanting pine forests, mountain streams and rainy weather. But Arizona has all of that too. About a 4 1/2 hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona lie the White Mountains. They are some of the most scenic mountains I've been to. And of all my trips up there, the West Baldy Trail is the one that calls be back the most.
There are a few ways to hike this trail. You can day hike it like we did. Take the West Baldy Trail up to the 'summit' and back. You start in a thick pine and aspen forest. It makes you think of Colorado more than Arizona. Soon after, you're treated with meadows surrounded by the pines. Running through the middle is the Little Colorado River. If you've seen the Little Colorado further downstream, it's amazing to see it's humble beginnings. Crystal clear water, creating a fly fisherman's utopia. Further up the trail, you enter a dense pine forest, filled with mushrooms, moss and the sound of running water. The Baldy Trail receives rain almost daily, adding to the atmosphere. Then things get serious. The trail steeply climbs up toward Mount Baldy. Eventually you find yourself in the midst of a forest of dead pines. I'm not sure if they died from avalanche or the Wallow Fire, but the change in scenery makes this feel like more of an adventure. Eventually, you will reach the top. But it's not the top. The summit of Mount Baldy is on White Mountain Apache land. It is a sacred place to the White Mountain Apache and I've heard you are not supposed to continue to the top without approval to do so. So that's where we turn around. If you have more time than we did, you can take the East Baldy Trail and make a loop out of your return. Regardless of what path you take, this is one of the most amazing and beautiful hikes (or backpacking trips) I've ever done here in Arizona. I cannot recommend it enough.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Biome - Ever So Blue
Jamais perdu - Lo Mimieux
Spirals - Arden Forest
Organic Bijou - Ooyy

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

Your cinematography just keeps on getting better and better. As always thanks for bringing us along. 🙏

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Happy to bring you along.

[@torreyintahoe]

We used to do backpacking trips up Baldy when I was a kid in the early 80's.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Okay! The shot of the mushrooms in the moss with the bug was 🔥🔥🔥! There’s so much I want to explore in Arizona.

[@JerryArizona]

I didn't even notice it was on there until I was editing. What's better than a tiny mushroom? A tiny mushroom with a tiny bug crawling over it while you're getting a macro shot! And AZ is absolutely amazing. Then again, you're not in a bad spot either.

[@bealsaz]

One of my favorites. Have taken many scout troops to the top. I love the meadows. The Airforce wreckage is alway a surprise for scouts along with the snow at the top in June/July.

[@JerryArizona]

I love all of the White Mountains (that I've seen), but this trail especially is incredible. We really need to do the whole loop already.

[@firedog451]

Thanks again Jerry for the beautiful hike! I’m glad your wife is out and hope she’s feeling better!

[@JerryArizona]

You're welcome and Tina is definitely feeling better. Her work has been crazy lately, but she gets out whenever she can.

[@axcab3437]

You did it again. This beautiful video brings the peace and connection I feel when hiking. And it's too good with the addition of Tina's comments, close up smiles and generous appearances of her finger. Always great to see both of you adventuring together. Thanks again.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! She usually has a multitude of reasons to give me the finger. And we have some pretty cool hikes coming up.....

[@jamieh3157]

We were just up there last week. I love that trail. Yes, it is probably the most beautiful trail I’ve been on in AZ. The views are stunning.

[@Scrambler85]

Looks like a beautiful hike 👍

[@JerryArizona]

Everything I've seen in the White Mountains is amazing, but West Baldy is still my favorite. (So far.)

[@cathymoore1739]

Beautiful high mountain area & great video as always Jerry. Thank you for sharing.

[@moretoliving2236]

I absolutely love that you have been adding natural sounds more and more because it adds so so much to the video. The babbling of the brooks, the rustling of the trail under your feet. It is almost like being there!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! I spend as much time on sound design nowadays as I do on the visual part of editing. Glad to see it's noticed.

[@Rawvirgin]

Beautiful.

[@TOMGUIDO66]

Exactly where Zane Grey’s “Man of the Forest” is set. Beautiful!!

[@bttrflysrfree123]

I am enjoying your videos! This one was cool! All parts, from wildflowers to wreckage and rain, sun to finger waving, lol. Keep up the great work!

[@Wendy-cf5tv]

I count my steps too! But usually when I'm going uphill! Did part of this trail a couple times! Need a summit! Truly beautiful! How cool to see a bear and the plane!

[@JerryArizona]

I talked her into the step counting. It definitely helps when I'm struggling with an incline. That's what got me through Maroon Bells and I've been doing it ever since. She's finally adopted it.

[@Sennaprat]

Loved the music piece. Your videos make me fall in love with Arizona, all over again. Thanks for this treat

[@g.s.3450]

Your are becoming a nature photographer. Incredibly nice detail and scene compostiont. Thanks!

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

Wonderful hike and video. 👍👍

[@ronproctor3869]

We came upon a newborn elk on this trail several years ago. Magical. Thanks for taking me back to those memories....

[@jamieh3157]

East Baldy is even prettier! The vista opens up and the granite boulders are really cool.

[@JerryArizona]

We need to check that out! The original plan was to backpack and do the entire loop, but we changed plans at the last minute and just day hiked.

[@Rawvirgin]

we just came back from the area last week. Spectacular place.

[@JerryArizona]

The White Mountains never disappoint!

[@rhiannoncain7741]

My favorite hike up in the White Mountains! Last time I did the whole lope and last quarter mile got caught in a monsoon rain storm 😂 my feet were swimming by the time I got back to my car. Great video, gave me the Good Hike Vibes

[@FarginIceholeful]

I've commented on a few of your vids. I lived in Flag for five years from 1999. I was blessed to have met some amazing people who took me on hikes like this every weekend. From Sycamore, West Fork Oak Creek, Humphrey's Peak, etc. Five years and I barely scratched the surface. I've kept in touch with those people and still hike with them in Idaho/Wyoming/Montana... These vids are a good filler for winter!😂

[@thelonestranger8594]

Great video, Thanks!!

[@Ramphastos333]

Great video, I am lucky enough to live in Pinetop, so it's one of my go-to hikes. BTW, you may not see this comment (watching a few weeks after this video came out), but I believe the downed-tree area was from a wind-driven blow-down several years ago. It wasn't part of the Wallow fire (firefighters worked their butts off to keep the Wallow out of the Mt Baldy area because they knew the whole thing would blow if it got in).

[@TheAdventureMentor]

Absolutely beautiful! I can see why it's a favorite. Jerry, your videos have cemented what I already knew, and it's that I belong in Arizona. I've gotta figure out a way to get back out there.

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, I've moved around a lot, but AZ is home for good reason.

[@baldophil1386]

Superbe,relax,belle nature ,bonne musique ....

[@martinforrester8249]

I love this whole area, particularly Greer, ( where I've stayed three times since 1992)and around Alpine where I've stayed once, to hike some great trails.

[@JerryArizona]

We absolutely love the White Mountains. It's AZ's best shot at being Colorado.

[@robhebbs7960]

It is a beautiful trail, Want to hike it now. Congratulations on your growing channel guys, getting alot of comments lately .I Enjoy your work. ( seems like you enjoy it two.)

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks man. You've been watching for quite a while. We obviously love hiking/backpacking, but I love videography and editing almost as much. Plus it lets us relive any of these hikes whenever we want.

[@Lwikfo]

I'm extremely happy to call the white mountains my home

[@JerryArizona]

I'm jealous.

[@brianknouse5164]

Gorgeous work my friend!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks man. Hope all's going well with you and the family. Been a while.

[@azureowl682]

Hi. What’s the story on all the downed trees? Lovely hike, regardless. Happy to see AZ has otherwise healthy looking high forests. Here in SW CO there are lots of impact from climate & beetle kill. Really enjoy your & Tina’s adventures. You two are pretty tough and fearless!

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you. Love CO too! I'm not sure on the trees. I think it may have been from the Wallow Fire back in 2011.

[@samgoeshiking]

Omg that's gorgeous

[@JerryArizona]

It's more like the scenery from Sound of Music than you'd expect from Arizona. Love the White Mountains.

[@Zaitz17]

Love the white mountains! i knocked out thompson trail last year around this time. I was thinking how you hadnt run into any wildlife and then 20 seconds later Tina called out the spot. lol Love the area but man.. that elevation really hits the lungs ugh! Great Vid!

[@TimmyCramer]

Is the big happy jerry hour this weekend?? Timmy C Arizona

[@bryanhayes9728]

Hi Jerry & Tina - I just discovered your videos, loving them! I grew up in Phx, we’ve lived in Pinetop, and now Payson 8 yrs. Your depictions of our beautiful areas are wonderful, and I’m finding new places to explore with my wife too. Thank you!!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Pinetop and Payson? Lucky! We keep talking about moving north. One of these days.

[@bryanhayes9728]

@@JerryArizona👍🏼👍🏼make the move before “Some Day” - best thing we ever did, in so many ways! By the way, we love El Rancho in Payson too, and if you’re ever looking for a quick place to grab outstanding Mexican food without having to sit down on your way through Payson, I highly recommend Alfonso’s. Everything’s good, including their outstanding breakfast burritos! Delicioso!

[@aznaturegirl]

As always, this was amazing. I haven't watched you in a while, life's been unkind, but I'm glad I caught you guys tonight. Nice to see your beautiful smile again Tina. 😊

[@JerryArizona]

Hope things get better for you soon.

[@janefromthecountry1820]

🙏💖

[@michelebackus7918]

I have done that trail and it is so beautiful. I also did the Mount Baldy east fork trail which has a amazing view at the top. A must see!!!

[@JerryArizona]

One of these days we need to hike the whole loop. Just didn't have time this trip.

[@desert-walker]

Cool video been there done that great video keep up the good work😊

[@dmn3773]

Did a trip starting from west baldy 94 to rainbow campground. A very chill and extremely scenic two day backpack. Such an amazing area.

[@JerryArizona]

Love the White Mountains. Wish it was a shorter drive so I could explore there more often.

[@veronicagrinstein1021]

Beautiful video. Loved it ! N

[@veronicagrinstein1021]

Sorry...Never miss a video. They are great and getting even better.

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

It's soo funny for someone that lives in the Rockies I avoid the alpine regions and head right for the desert... The opposite definitely seems true... God Bless 🙏🇺🇸

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, desert season is coming up. We just hiked the Superstitions and nearly got into trouble with heat stroke. Just gotta head for the high elevations in the summer.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Looks like a great trail man! And a perfect one for conditioning. You guys are about to be busy!

[@JerryArizona]

Tina's pretty terrified by this coming weekend. Hoping it goes well. I'm excited since I've heard the trail is 'mostly flat' though.

[@juliojimenez-juanz6751]

Love that trail ;-)

[@jeffreinke5474]

amazing use to camp there

[@jrlong3490]

That is beautiful Jerry. I didn't know AZ had 11k high mountain peaks. Safe hiking to you both.

[@JerryArizona]

We've even got Humphreys at just under 14K!

[@dnagoddesshealings2212]

@@JerryArizonayup, this! I’m not far away in Flagstaff, and I can’t wait to hike that peak.

[@chrisgerritsen2376]

Again. Great KZbin Jerry! Elevation gain can be really deceiving especially when you drive up to 8000 feet and start your hike. Have a great day.

[@rlands5134fd]

Nice video👌

[@ArizonaAirspace]

Awesome trail. I’m going to check it out when I move to AZ in October or November. 👍

[@JerryArizona]

Might be getting a little too far into the winter season by then. The hiking flow here is desert in the winter, high elevations or shaded hikes next to creeks in the summer. But definitely check it out.

[@ArizonaAirspace]

@@JerryArizona OK Thanks. Will do.

[@liammcintyre8970]

Try the weatherford trail to Humphreys peak in northern Arizona. 20 mile round trip and it ranges from 8,000ft to 12,600. Definitely my favorite trail in the state!

[@JerryArizona]

I'll add that one to the list. I've hiked Humphrey's before, but not Weatherford.

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

I think you and Tina are gritty and she has a lot of patience with you. Your videography and image selection keep getting better. Thanks for sharing. 😀👍

[@JerryArizona]

She knew what she was getting into when she married me, so I feel it's mostly her fault. And thank you!

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

@@JerryArizona She’s a keeper!😀👍

[@larryheiny5287]

Yes, it is one of our favorites. but it's also one of the few places I've been caught in a sudden thunderstorm with lightning crashing around us as we tried to escape it... Also the first time going up we were huffing and puffing as we reached 10,000 ft only to be passed by 4 (much) older Apache women fully clothed in ceremonial dress and jewelry almost sprint past us unaffected by the altitude...

[@JerryArizona]

Ran into an older Apache man coming up from Pacheta Falls. He thanked us for visiting his lands. I was so surprised, I think I just said thank you and you're welcome but I always think back to that. I wish I had profusely thanked him for letting us visit. It's such beautiful country.

[@waynebrown3266]

That is some really pretty country. Rivals the high country I've hiked in the PNW.

[@waynebrown3266]

I didn't realize you had anything quite like this in AZ.

[@JerryArizona]

The PNW......Went up there a few years back and it was one of my favorite trips. AZ it definitely diverse though. Lucky to be able to call it home.

[@waynebrown3266]

@@JerryArizona I've hiked a bit of high country in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. All of it is somewhat similar yet all of it has kind of its own flavor. I would say the same of this hike you took, some similarities to the high country I've seen but also has its own special flavor.

[@pappysproductions]

Another fabulous video. That girl has got some patience.... I cant believe she's never shoved you off a cliff after hearing, "you stopped walking" 😆. I get slapped for dumb jokes

[@JerryArizona]

I stand a good 6+ feet from cliff edges when making sarcastic remarks.

[@pappysproductions]

@@JerryArizona you're a smart man!

[@aznaturegirl]

Tina... you are as beautiful as ever.. love your smile and tenacity. You are a rock star...

[@ronwean578]

Good to see Tina back out on the trail flipping you the bird😂

[@henrikm4657]

I got so hungry from watching you hike that trail that I had to get up from the couch and grab a crème brûlée from the fridge 😄

[@MoviesSam]

Stunning. Arizona has soooo much to offer. Any wildlife concerns for that area? Do you need bear spray? I saw you pointed out the scat mid-video.

[@JerryArizona]

I've brought a .45 before. Or you could bring bear spray. Honestly, all the bears I've come across out here just want to get out of your way and be left alone, so I really don't bring anything anymore. I just try to pay a lot of attention to how I store food more than anything. In AZ, it's generally just bagged and hung from a tree.

[@richardbeee]

Hiked it back in the 80's. Loved it! Any information on that plane?

[@JerryArizona]

From what I've read, it's a crash from 1943....Ironically a plane looking for wreckage from a previous plane crash. Didn't see anything about the crew.

[@richardbeee]

@@JerryArizona I had a friend that was up there elk hunting many years ago. He told me he saw a plane in the tree canopy. Hung up in the trees. There's a story of a plane heading to Washington with a load of something on it that took a fork truck to pick up yet it was in a box that was 2'x 3'x 1 1/2 '. So it wasn't a very big box and it disappeared in a storm during WW2. They never reported finding it or the box.

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

Great video. What kind of camera are you using ?

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks. Canon EOS R with the 35mm f1.8 and a GoPro Hero Black 9.

[@robertscranton8293]

Good to see Tina back on the trail...I can see she is still suffering...the shots...the disease...I'll leave it for you to fill in the blanks...

[@tglass0000]

Take in the high elevation while you can! I need oxygen just to ride the Matterhorn at Disneyland.

[@JerryArizona]

The high altitude is so strange. Sometimes it's no problem. Other times it knocks me on my butt. Luckily, it played along with us this time.

[@dmerth]

Fantastic video as usual! My wife and I are headed to Phoenix October 15 and will stay in Arizona till October 24 for 25th Anniversary hiking. Would love to develop a bucket list of the best Arizona hikes. Planning to head to Sedona for three days then back to Phoenix for a night then down to Tucson for few days then to see Saguaro NP followed by Tombstone for a festival of sorts... Any must do hikes would be appreciated. Only been to Sedona for three days in the last year.

[@JerryArizona]

I have a video ranking hikes in Sedona. I enjoy West Fork (go past the end of the maintained trail), Wilson Mountain, Secret Canyon, Hangover....lots more, of course. The Superstitions (Boulder Canyon to Battleship or Peralta to Weavers Needle or even Roger's Canyon). Brown's Peak. Chiricahua's Heart of Rocks Loop. Haven't done as much around Tucson, Cochise Stronghold or the Dragoons, but I hear good things. So many places to check out.....

[@dmerth]

@@JerryArizona appreciate the tips! So many places to choose!

[@davisone76]

@@dmerth Peralta to Weavers Needle is amazing!

[@dmerth]

@@davisone76 Wow! I just watch a video of Peralta to Freemont Saddle. Looks amazing. I don't think we'd make it to the Needle though... Thanks for the tip.

[@harryls1283]

Hey Jerry. I am hooked to your videos and I am happy I found you guts. I have a question for you. I see on some of your videos you use some Altra shoes. Are they comfortable and if you can, can you at least (if possible) tell me the model name of them? Take care man and keep doing those videos.

[@JerryArizona]

I have wide feet and like a big toe box. Altra delivers on that. I have the Altra Lone Peak but they have so little cushion. After a while my feet would hurt like crazy. These are Altra Olympus. Much better cushioning and all the comfort of the Lone Peak. And the first shoes I don't get blisters with. I absolutely love them. (Not super sturdy though. You'll have to replace them more often than something like Keen or Merrill. But still worth it.) It all depends on your feet though, I suppose. But I recommend looking into them.

[@dixielambrecht7009]

We have beautiful trails like this here in Colorado also but most of the year they are under snow. How often is this one covered?

[@JerryArizona]

Colorado is so beautiful.....I think the White Mountains get snow fairly similar to a lot of Co, but not sure. This is where we go in the summer when it's like the surface of the sun in Phoenix and further south.....

[@janefromthecountry1820]

My daughter says this does not look like Arizona. It’s a beautiful hike! Tina, where’s the Mexican food? 😂

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely not what most people think of when they think of AZ. And I'm sure we stopped and got some on the way home.....Usually a safe bet.

[@gwiz001]

I would submit West Fork as the best trail in Arizona but this one looks pretty cool.

[@JerryArizona]

Love West Fork as well. WF and Baldy are usually annual hikes for us.

[@gumgirlcam9719]

What day did you do this hike? I wish everyone posted their hike dates as the video posting date doesn't mean much. You and your wife are too cool! I'm about to embark on some long term traveling. Acclimating to high elevations will be critical for me (coming from western NY.)

[@JerryArizona]

This was probably around 9/3~9/4. I was thinking today that I need to start adding the date of the hike and other stats in the description, but I always forget. Any questions on your trip (related to the SW), feel free to ask.

[@Lwikfo]

pro tip, On the way up, stop at Eddie's country store in Pinetop and grab a few brews and snack for the top.

[@dekcarc]

What camera/lens(es) do you carry?

[@l.e.phillips]

Immediately adding to the ‘must hike’ list.

[@JerryArizona]

Look into Thompson Trail and Pacheta falls up there as well. But West Baldy is a must do.

[@greenrush4313]

10:11 i was attacked by a bobcat right by the tree to the left. It was a hell of a day. My dog pockets was with me on the hike. At first i heard a grunt sound. Then seconds later me and my little pockets were ambushed by the bobcat. He tried to get little pockets but i grab my gun and shot a few rounds off. Then it ran off. If i didnt have my gun i dont know what would of happened. Reply

[@jamesbell7220]

"...starting late, as usual." Starting late is among the top starting points in a train of events that eventually kicks out a 911 call for a rescue. Get your kit together, Jerry.

[@JerryArizona]

I know, I know. But I really like sleep. Helicopter rides aren't bad either, so I think I have a solid plan going. In all seriousness, we had headlamps and knew the trail. We would've turned around if it looked like it was going to get us into trouble. Of course I say this, but a late start DID get us into trouble yesterday, so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about......

[@LB-lx8iq]

What software do u use and settings may u do a tutorial?

[@JerryArizona]

I use Premiere Pro. And a lot of the Adobe programs that go with it. The channel is more skewed to the hiking vids than tutorials and honestly, I wouldn't hardly know how to begin with all the stuff I do for these videos. Maybe one of these days...

[@eltlbit]

Beautiful, love following along.Tina you always make us smile, laugh and you just beautiful. Tina what shoes are those, they look cool. Are they comfy? Also hope you’re doing well 🤗 can’t wait for more videos. Jerry thanks for all you do, for all you share 🤗❤️😘 🏔

[@JerryArizona]

You're welcome. And we're both wearing Altra Olympus. We both love them, more than any other shoes. I used to swear by Keen and Tina loved her Merril's, but we're sold. The Lone Peak's didn't have enough padding/cushion. The Olympus solve that problem.

[@eltlbit]

@@JerryArizona Thanks so much for the info on shoes, also thanks for responding. Really enjoy your videos always...much respect and love for you both...🤔 maybe a bit extra ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️for our lovely Tina 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🌻

[@SilviaCoupe89]

First!!!!

[@JerryArizona]

I think this may be one of my first "first!" comments! This makes me feel like I've 'made it' on YT.

[@SilviaCoupe89]

You have! I watch all of your videos. I live in Goodyear and surprised I have never seen you on the trails. Trust me, I look.

[@sheahill3340]

Is it even a video if Tina doesn’t give the bird? 😂

[@JerryArizona]

It's not a GOOD video, that's for sure.

[@Glenn.Cooper]

Nice video. But - most Beautiful trail in AZ? You there's this thing called the Grand Canyon in Arizona - and it has hiking trails.... Hmm....

[@JerryArizona]

Love the Grand Canyon too! I was going to say the desert is a different kind of beauty, but then again you have the pine forests of the north rim.....

[@chiwalker7325]

What’s the elevation?

[@JerryArizona]

~11,400 at the top. So maybe 9,400ish to start. Home is around 1,000' though, so it takes a little acclimation for us.

[@charlesdkowalski9136]

Are there bears in the White Mountains?

[@JerryArizona]

Absolutely. We saw one on this exact trail several years ago.

[@dennisneely]

I’m just here for Tina talking crap!

[@JerryArizona]

There's usually plenty of that...

[@freedom24seven]

Was that a plane wreckage site?

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah. It's an old crash from the 40's according to what I've read online.

[@bennybpYasharahla]

Is there phone service on the trail?

[@bennybpYasharahla]

I'm going to East baldy Loop on Friday August 25th

[@JerryArizona]

It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure if you get signal it's just luck and only in a spot or two. The reception is pretty bad out there. Enjoy. It's beautiful out there.

[@micchaelsanders6286]

I didn't think Arizona was that green.

[@JerryArizona]

Right? It's like Colorado up in the White Mountains.

[@l.e.phillips]

Ok, just watched this again ‘cause I wanted to show my bf, and I just need you to clarify one thing; Did you guys really drive 4.5hours there from Phx, hike SIXTEEN MILES, then drive right back home another 4.5 hours? In one day??

[@JerryArizona]

Of course not, that would be crazy. We went up the night before and stayed in a hotel..... The original plan was to backpack the entire loop, but we ended up changing it to a day hike when the forecast went south for the evening/next day. Didn't want to be camped on top of a mountain in a lightning storm.

[@l.e.phillips]

@@JerryArizona Had to ask…..cause sometimes you ARE crazy. 😜

[@deni7457]

And I thought Arizona is dessert.

[@JerryArizona]

We have plenty of that. But we have plenty pine forests too. A lot more than people expect.

[@jdmiller3905]

better for the trail if you walk on the actual tread, and not in the grass just cause it's wet....

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, can't argue that.

[@livelylife1203]

Vote Republican