Bluff Mountain — Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021

This was a really neat hike due to the ridge views along the way! Recommending an early start both due to the slow drive the last 9 miles on FS41 to the trailhead as well as the exposed nature of the hike.  The drive was very slow with potholes and sections of exposed rock that made us wish for the potholes as our group navigated through in a Subaru and pick-up truck, higher clearance definitely recommended.

We parked at the large parking lot on the ridge and headed up the first couple of miles on the road, it was clear but rocky. About a mile in, we heard a vehicle approaching, but they seemed to changed their minds about trying to make it up as we heard them reverse back.  We wouldn't have wanted to navigate those miles before the hike turned into a true single track after about 2.5 miles - the ruts were quite deep in several sections.

A couple of backpackers that we met in our first couple of miles that were walking out let us know it was going to be brushy and overgrown all the way to Silver Star and that was definitely the case.  I would also describe this trail as having rolling hills along the way, you'll be ascending and descending consistently along the ridges.

From the single track, the trail was overgrown before it started to traverse the talus slopes.  It was still easily located, but again, rocky in sections and our pace reflected picking over the small rocks on the trail.  The forested section before the Little Baldy crossing was a welcome break from the heat and a smoother trail!  We stopped for lunch and turned around after about 5.5mi, likely just shy of the Starway Trail Junction - it was getting later in the day and we hadn't really intended to make it all the way to Silver Star. There was a nice set of rocks with built in seats to enjoy the view in a little bit of shade.

Only saw three people total on the trail all day!