This stretch is the most heavily used portion of the trail and quite possible the most heavily used trail on the Forest. If you have a problem with lots of other hikers, then avoid this trail on weekends and holidays. The trail crosses the West Fork over an old bridge and continues its uphill grade. The ascent is no vein-popper, but it can still be taxing due to the steady climb and high elevation. The trail crosses meadows and winds through a thick forest setting dominated by spruce, fir and aspen.
Beaver dams dot the stream and fishing on the West Fork is generally good.
As you work your way up, the trail becomes a series of switchbacks. Please stay on the trail and resist the temptation to make your own shortcuts. This damages the soil, scars the land and causes erosion which could wash out the established trail and bring silt into the creek. The West Baldy Trail merges with the East Baldy Trail in a saddle near the Reservation boundary below Mt. Thomas. At this point you can see some new country and continue down to the other side, or turn around and see the trail you just came up from a different angle.