This route was originally found on Aug 2, 2025. I've moved the report to here from Peakbagger on the posted date, Aug 8, 2025. I've added a few additional details on top of the old Peakbagger report.
Overview
This new route optimizes the route recently found by Derrick Weiss. It utilizes a variation of the new "burnt forest" approach route to climb the main peak of baring. It also cuts off distance and ascent by going straight up the NW ridge and connecting to the route set by Derrick Weiss. At a total of 3400' ascent across only 3.7 miles, it's the shortest way to climb South Baring. In theory, it also involves no equipment other than poles and a helmet.
The cleaned GPX track for the route can be found below:
This cleaned track shows as being only 2.24 miles. This is unrealistic, but it's possible the mileage could be as low as 3 miles if one didn't do a lot of switchbacks up the face like we did.
Specific Route Info
Parking/Trailhead: The FR 6028 has a gate at the start of it, but it was recently unlocked and can now be opened freely. This is how the new approach for the main peak of Baring was born. People park lower on the road for main Baring, but you park at the very top of the road for this one (about 2600'). Road is fine, but a high clearance vehicle is definetly needed.
Approach: Getting up to the ridge is super chill; it's just under 2400' ascent. Everything is burnt, so it's quick going. The only problem on route is the cliff band about half way up. The weak point is marked on the map; just a little bit of scrambling. Near the top there's quite a bit of scrambling, but it can be avoided by staying in the gully to the east (the cleaned gpx track goes this way). You'll see the rock that looks like a fin at the start of the scrambling. The scrambling is enjoyable than the gully.
Climb: The route roughly follows the NW Ridge until it connects to Derrick Weiss' route. Mostly class 2/3 scrambling and one or two class 4 sections. After connecting it's pretty easy, just annoying side-hilling. There were a few class 3/4 spots after though, with some exposure. The "class 2" slab at the top that Derrick mentioned is way easier than it looks (class 3 IMO); very airy though.
