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.
From a campsite in Water Canyon (on the northeastern slope of the range), a path follows Forest Road 406 and then Trail 10 up Copper Canyon to the main ridge, where it joins Trail 8, the North Baldy Trail, which runs along the crest. A short excursion south on this trail and an uphill ascent leads to the summit of South Baldy.