From a campground in Water Canyon (accessed from the northeast side of the range), a trail follows Forest Road 406 and then Trail 10 up Copper Canyon to the main crest of the range, where it joins Trail 8, the North Baldy Trail, which follows the crest. A short hike south on this trail and a little off-trail ascent leads to the summit of South Baldy.
Starting from a campsite in Water Canyon (on the northeast side of the mountain), a route follows Forest Road 406 and then Trail 10 up Copper Canyon to the main ridge, where it connects with Trail 8, the North Baldy Trail, which runs along the crest. A short detour south on this trail and an uphill climb leads to the summit of South Baldy.