Baldwin Trail No. 191

Baldwin Trail No. 191 is an easy, 2.08-mile loop from the signed Forest Service trailhead on Verde Valley School Road. It drops toward Oak Creek's riparian valley, climbs through a draw between Cathedral Rock and a smaller red rock butte, then returns along another stretch of the named trail. Allow about an hour and a half at a relaxed pace. It is a good choice for Cathedral Rock scenery without taking the steep summit trail. It is associated with Red Rock State Park's East Gate access, but the trailhead is on Verde Valley School Road.

The first section crosses a wash and descends toward creek-level vegetation. At roughly half a mile, the trail meets Templeton; follow the Baldwin branch to stay on this loop. The route then climbs through a draw, levels, and descends back toward Verde Valley School Road. Templeton and the smaller creek paths lead elsewhere, so note the junctions if you step off the main circuit.

The trail runs through the riparian valley near Oak Creek, but the stream is often hidden from view. Several footpaths lead to creek access spots, where the vegetation gives the lower stretch more shade than the open climb. Those paths are optional side trips, not part of the 2.08-mile loop. If you take one, return to the same junction before continuing around Baldwin.

Past the Templeton junction, the trail climbs moderately between Cathedral Rock and an unnamed red-rock butte. It eventually levels out and descends southwest. Cathedral Rock appears from changing angles, and looking back brings Wilson Mountain into view. The route circles the butte rather than climbing to a summit; the scenery is the payoff, not a high point.

Much of the higher trail is exposed. The Forest Service warns that Cathedral Rock area trails can be very hot in summer, and the creek-side shade does not continue through the climb. Baldwin is also used by mountain bikers, so pay attention at bends and junctions. Park in the Forest Service lot on the west side of Verde Valley School Road, then cross to the marked trail on the east. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required to park. Visitors report that the small lot can fill early; restrooms are available at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on this Forest Service route on leash, and handlers must remove waste.

The trail takes its name from a former owner of Crescent Moon Ranch. If you want a shorter walk, use the posted map to choose a branch toward Templeton or Oak Creek and turn back along it. Those branches add a different slice of the visit, but they do not complete the Baldwin loop or belong in its mapped mileage.