From the trailhead, it is 4.5 miles to the summit with an elevation gain of
close to 4200 feet. Early spring might be problematic due to snow conditions so you might consider saving this for summer conditions.
Take the trail up Little Elk Creek to a basin at about 8800'. Turn right on a trail, which passes around the east side of the 8920+' knoll. There is probably a way to short cut the trail but good form in completing this will stay on the trail and circumvent the knoll to the east. Leave the trail and pick up the northwest ridge of Mt. Baird, which you can follow to the summit. This route is class 2/3, though a bit steep in spots near the top with a bit of exposure possible if you get near the edge of the ridge. At about 9,600 ft there is what some people might consider Class 3 dirt/scree. The alternative would be to bushwhack through some short fir trees and brush on the south side of the ridge. Once you get to the top of the ridge, find your way up the talus covered south slope of the summit block. It is steep here also, but there are climber’s trails through the tough section. Take the same route down as you took up finishing at the Little Elk Trailhead where you are parked.
