There are many peaks named “Bald Mountain” in Idaho. This one is located in the Owyhee Mountains, near Grandview, and is easily accessible from Mud Flat Road, which is one of the most scenic backcountry drives in Idaho. This high desert terrain is a great place to visit in late spring or early summer.

My wife and I were driving the Owyhee Scenic Byway for our anniversary, and we chose to “camp” near the summit of Bald Mountain to enjoy some stargazing from one of the darkest areas in the US. After sleeping in the back of our SUV, the next morning I drove as far as along the jeep trail as we were comfortable, and made a quick dash for the summit.

The broad summit of Bald Mountain is a nice spot to take in the views of the Owyhees and is home to a few different stacks of rocks. I found a register in one of them, and added my signature before heading back to the car so we get on the road. Round trip was less than a mile and a half from where I parked, and only 400’ total elevation gain.

Map of my route, just under 1.5 miles and 500' elevation gain round trip.	Won't be this green for long once the desert starts warming up.	South slopes on the way up.	Desert wildflowers.	Lichen covered rocks.
Summit register.	View northeast of Mud Flat Road.	Little cactus growing out of a rock.	View of Rough Mountain from the summit of Bald Mountain.	View southwest on the way back.
Map of my route, just under 1.5 miles and 500' elevation gain round trip.Won't be this green for long once the desert starts warming up.South slopes on the way up.Desert wildflowers.Lichen covered rocks.Summit register.View northeast of Mud Flat Road.Little cactus growing out of a rock.View of Rough Mountain from the summit of Bald Mountain.View southwest on the way back.