Burger King (Parking Lot) Baldy via the Devils Backbone as an out and back, with or without the ski lift. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. By hiking 2.3 miles from the parking lot at the base of the ski lift to Baldy Notch. Arriving mid-afternoon at the Manker Flats Campground,which was to be our home for the next two nights, we set up camp. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Take the Mountain Ave. / Mount Baldy exit from either freeway, which is located in the city of Upland and head north towards the mountains. Park at Manker Flat. The trail starts near two porta-potties at a dirt road junction at Manker Flat. This trail boasts s Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. (PS: I found that my blue soft water bottle dropped out of my vest after crossing the Mouse Walk and decided not to go back to retrieve it. Your email address will not be published. The trail is wide and right away gets your heart pumping as the road begins a steady incline ascent. It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. This is the time well be getting together at the meeting location. Baldy Lodge , very good food in a rustic setting in Mt. Literally, you straddle with one leg on one side and the other leg on the other side of the ridge. From here, you can enjoy views of the other high peaks of the back range of the San Gabriel Mountains. Wish we had stuff like this in Minnesota! Please get this ahead of time from a local Sports store like REI stores, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Outdoor Outlet (Alhambra) and other retailers prior to the hike. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. As you descend to the east, the route splinters into several steep use trails. HIKE WALKTHROUGH:San Antonio Peak aka Mt. San Antonio. If you park at the Ski Lift parking lot, you must purchase a $5 parking pass, otherwise, an Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle parked along the roadside. From there, you walk down the rest of the ridge and meet the normal Devils Backbone Trail on your left, continuing to traverse Mt. Multiple fatalities here- people losing footing and sliding down several hundred feet bouncing offf rocks and trees. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. Baldy is the highest peak in San Gabriel Mountains and the highest point in Los Angeles County. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is a great spot for refueling. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. All of a sudden, you can see Baldy Notch. After about 10mins you'll see a sign and there are 3 different paths to different hikes (3 tree top, Mt. in 22 reviews, From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to Manker Flats. in 7 reviews, The first section starts off paved up until San Antonio Falls which is roughly a half mile up. in 5 reviews. The higher altitude and easy access makes it a popular training hike for Whitney (or in my case, the John Muir Trail). San Antonio (aka Mt Baldy) Loop via Devils Backbone. Keep your eye on the prize and when needed the trail! Baldy in the Summer Part 4 Down - Jay Sean. Either route there is no gas station once you exit the freeway. If you do this climb after all of the snow has melted, bring plenty of water, since there are no water sources until you get down to the SA Ski Hut, where there is a small run-off stream. The Hut also serves as a landmark and denotes that we are a little less than half way to our final destination and starting point at Manker Flats. Baldy Village, which s downhill from the campground. There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. More. a 74 year old Korean man who makes the trek to the summit of Baldy two times per week. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level. Baldy Summit. When you take the turn off to the left off of the fire road, head up the trail that goes to the Sierra Club Ski Hut. Riding the Mt. The feeling of accomplishment is like none other! Baldy, so named due to its spareness on top, quite an impressive sight, since we were still miles away. If you are not sure what to take on bigger hikers, it is advised that you try a lower level hike so you learn to pack for more strenuous hikes. After he conquers the pylon we continue on to Baldy Notch and soon arrive. Check out our other hikes -Mt Baldy https://youtu.be/1v28_su0Mhs-Mt San Gorgonio https://youtu.be/h_BT4GJLpgA-Half Dome https://youtu.be/udfoUshBz0M-Mt Wilson https://youtu.be/HKCKhwmzuk8-Cucamonga Peak https://youtu.be/eogH3mb_8W4-Mt San Jacinto Peak https://youtu.be/1UODpvIfvoM-Mt Baden Powell https://youtu.be/sjOvuhMinEg-San Bernardino Peak https://youtu.be/ml-MbZKJDcE-Hollywood Sign https://youtu.be/QmMI6Ah0HVY-Rainbow Falls Mammoth Lakes https://youtu.be/8fo7XYN7Gq8-Saddle Peak https://youtu.be/eogH3mb_8W4-Whiteface https://youtu.be/oz7vmSRNkyY-Temescal Canyon https://youtu.be/fdtD0K5S75M-Echo Mountain https://youtu.be/8-kG-KSN76Q-Solstice Canyon https://youtu.be/2dfJe6_t7T0 Turn left on Baseline Road. We ask her if she would like to join us, she does, but not too far along the trail she says she doesnt think she is going to make it, and turns back. From the Notch, you can cheat and take the ski lift down. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. Turn right to stay on Mt. 3.3 miles: Turn around when reaching West Baldy. PARKING PERMIT (REQUIRED): Adventure Pass: $5 Day, or $30 annual. Snowshoes, crampons and ice axe may be needed in wintertime depending on snowpack. Baldy. On the access road from Manker Flat (Falls Road), the route is gentle and unambiguious. From Baldy Notch, the fireroad climbs steeply to the second ski lift, marking the start of the Devils Backbone Trail. Trailhead, September 2012. A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. If you drive beyond Manker Flat for about a mile, the road ends at the base of the ski lifts. Walk past the locked gate of Falls Road and follow the dirt road for almost 2 miles to the ski lodge. We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike youre not ready for. The East face of Mt. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. Many choose to cut uphill in a narrow switchback pattern to ensure their footing. Its a good idea to print out a map of the loop to give you an idea of the trail. Start: Begin at Falls Road and head past the gate. As we hiked the trail we came across the hiker who had taken a picture of my son and I on the summit. The camaraderie of joining a select few who have hiked to the summit of Mt. You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Some hikers choose to go this route in order to find a WWII fighter plane that had crashed in the mountains after getting lost in the fog during a training mission back in he day. This a broad area is just after the Manker Flat Campground. 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. I hiked Mt. Head back to Baldy Notch. What were the tips from pro hikers? Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. On the day we hiked, the daytime temp was low 80s, although the 14 mph winds kept it very comfortable. Baldy Road. The most common and the one this Website describes, is to take the ski lift (open on weekends, 8 AM to 5 PM) up to Baldy Notch Ski Lodge and then take the westerly trail over the Devil's Backbone, across the southern side of Mt. Contact the ski resort directly for more information and booking. Distance: 6.6 miles (out and back) Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. ( University of Missouri Libraries ) Services . I would call this segment of the Devils Backbone Ridge Camino of Death, or Camino de la muerte, because of its perils, charms, and sheer beauty. San Antonio, Its A Volcano! Whitney or Half Dome. If the lift is running this will knock off almost 4 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience. At the end of Falls Road, the path makes a big U-turn at San Antonio Falls. Dogs are allowed on most trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, but that doesnt mean that this hike is suitable for most dogs. The views are unreal! This is a remarkably narrow rising ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side, connecting Baldy Notch to the summit. HIKE WALKTHROUGH: This is a popular route because it can take advantage of riding the ski lift. A hike to Mt. Sam, the 74 year old, was also very impressed with our hiking sticks, two pine poles that my Son had carved from a past Christmas tree as well as a Torrey Pine branch he had found! The Register Ridge Trail runs perpendicular into the Devil's Backbone Trail, 1 mile east of the D.BBone Trail sign at the top of Mt. The Baldy Bowl Ski Hut Trail is definitely a more strenuous uphill workout than Devil's Backbone, so choose this route if you're looking for a good leg workout! Return Approx: 4:00pm, HIKE LEVEL:Level9(**Experienced Hikers only** Highly Strenuous. This man is totally amazing, never mind for a 74 year old, but for anyone who takes on Mt. A Natural Fit: Therapy and exercise neednt be mutually exclusive. Ohhh Mt. Although the numerous hikes that I had done in San Diego over the past 5 months were challenging and I did see tremendous hiking growth take place, hiking to the summit of a 10,064 foot mountain was a dramatic change from the nearest challenging hike of Mt. Sierra Club Ski Hut Trek Highlights. Baldy! To hike the loop: Park along Mount Baldy Road just past Manker Flats Campground at the bottom of Falls Road (0 miles) As we approached the San Gabriel Mountains we saw off in the distance the ominous silhouette of Mt. It follows the access road for about 2 miles to the group of buildings at the top of the first ski lift. After a good nights sleep we set out at 7:30am. Hiking is like mindfulness which teaches us to experience that which we are doing right now! Level: Hard; Distance: 14 miles (out and back) Elevation gain: 4269 ft; Time: 8.5 hours; Being part of the ascent up Mount Baldy, Devil's Backbone is an especially challenging trail to hike and should only be done by experienced hikers. Distance: 11 miles (clockwise loop) You will start to see the ski lift on your right and as you look up the ski lodge marking Baldy Notch and the 3.6 mile point of your hike. The campground is set in a very peaceful, serene pine laden forest with gorgeous mountain views at 6000+ feet. ), In the picture below, the normal route of the Devil's Backbone Trail is visible on left and the Devil's Backbone Ridge continues upward in the middle of the picture, Looking back down the Devil's Backbone Ridge after you climb to the top, This part of the ridge is two inches wide (at the most), View Mt. View Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone Image Gallery - 76 Images. Harwood can be seen in the background. In season, there may be many cars parked here, but there is ample parking space. Occasionally, there is live music at the Notch, such as Elevated Solstices reggae and roots rock lineup. Baldy, authorities said. Hiking Socks . REAL TRAIL NAME: Mt Baldy Summit from The Notch via Devils Backbone Trail, MEETING TIME: 7:00am -7:20am (Please be there on time), MEETING LOCATION: Devil's Backbone is a trail that stretches along the ridge of the mountain east of the Mt. I have done it both in wintertime (December 25, 2019. Was extremely windy yesterday, but . Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead. The last stretch is a steep loose rock. Baldy is its first peak. Harwood. by Mark | May 26, 2012 | Hikes & Trails!, Hiking Trails. And in fact, I included Baldy as peak #3 in my Six-Pack of Peaks progressive training series. Turn left again at Mt. Hardwood, and down past the ski resort to the valley floor. Baldy Ski Lifts to Baldy Notch eliminates a 2.3 mile one-way (1,500 gain) from the ski lift parking lot. Baldy (via Devil's Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. Or climb Mt. Take some enough snacks & a lunch (trail mix, nuts, granola bars, fruit, etc.) Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass? Do not do this hike in the winter unless you are a mountaineer with alpine meadows ice/snow travel experience. Antonio (Mt. But to ascend Baldy via the Devils Backbone, follow the road meandering east to Baldy Notch (7800'), a total of 3.6 miles from the start. Speaking of right now, the hour of reckoning was here, the anticipated Devils Backbone part of the hike was upon us. Microspikesor IceTrekkers, shoe chain traction (Highly recommended) DEVIL'S BACKBONE - 199 Photos & 62 Reviews - 6777 Mt Baldy Rd, Mount Baldy, CA - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Devil's Backbone 62 reviews Unclaimed Hiking Edit See 202 photos Write a review Add photo " From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to " in 7 reviews Not only was this a great place to camp but also the trail-head start to Mt. As we approached our campground walking back along Mt. Baldy In the Summer Part 4 | Down the Devil's Backbone | to the Top of the Notch | .Hiking Mt. Elevation Gain: 2,369 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. San Antonio (aka Mt Baldy) Loop via Devil's Backbone HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed a LATH hike Level 7+ and up with no problem. I started to notice something else as we ascended towards the backbone, I realized how much I was in the moment on this hike, how I hadnt thought about the regular concerns of the day, lifes worries, the what ifs and the I should of, would of could ofs that most of us contemplate in our daily lives. In fact the first 1.5 miles down the mountain proved much more hazardous than the previous 6.8 miles up as I lost my footing twice. Baldy) via the Devils Backbone is classic for hikers on the San Gabriel Mountains where Mt. As you approach the devils Backbone portion of the trail you immediately get a sense of just how much the elevation gain takes its toll on your breathing, after all you are at nearly 9000 feet in elevation, your breaths get shorter and quicker! Not far from Los Angeles, this trail is heavily trafficked. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." Thank you. I added the Register Ridge Variation to the Baldy Notch Route page. The Laguna Mountains: BIg Laguna Loop Hike via the Sunset, BIg Laguna and Pacific Crest Trails: 07/04/2015New Research Suggests Nature Walks are Good for Your Brain. At the end of Falls Road, the path makes a big U-turn at San Antonio Falls. (76), Climber's Log Entries Once you reach the top of the 2nd ski lift, the trail gets more interesting. Antonio (Mt. How far is the devils backbone trail from manker flat and whats the elevation gain, Hi everyone, I wanted to share my more extensive experience hiking the Baldy Notch -> Devils slide as an out-and-back, including what I learned, what I wish I knew before, and how to prepare for the best experience on the mountain Check it out, here: https://metropolitanmolly.com/2021/06/14/hiking-mount-baldy-how-to-successfully-conquer-the-tallest-mountain-in-the-angeles-national-forest-summer-edition/, Your email address will not be published. https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events, ELEVATION GAIN: 3,900 ft. with top Elevation of 10,068, MEETING LOCATION:Subway (Same plaza and parking lot as the Vons)594 E Baseline Rd.Claremont, CA 91711. HIKE REQUIREMENTS: Must have completed another LATH Level 7, 8, 9 hike prior to this hike. (10,064) elevation. You will see the top of Mt Baldy directly front of you. DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. 16 Miles. Soon we crest the top of the mountain and my pain and breathlessness turns to shear joy and a remarkable sense of accomplishment as we reach the summit of the mountain. Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. If time is limited, consider hiking to Mt. Baldy Village. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. Gloves Our first night we had diner at the Mt. Baldy Road come into view, a reassuring sign to our tired feet and bodies that we were almost home! All Rights Reserved. I know it says its open for hikers and dogs, but Im wondering about the Mount Baldy ski lift and if dogs are allowed on it? Above the Ski Hut, the trail hits a rocky patch. What is Hiker Therapy and how did it evolve? 2.6 miles: After the Ski Hut, the trail reaches the ridge and ascends to the summit. My family had a wonderful and memorable experience at California's last family owned ski resort; Aren't we lucky to have this treasure within 2 hours of San Diego and Los Angeles. Is this trail good for dogs? Devil's Backbone. Judging from trail wear, most people go straight up a steeper ski slope. Beanie As we hiked along he told us of hikers who take this route in the winter months, hiking through the snow. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. Parking is on the west side of the divided road a 1/2 mile below the Baldy Ski Lifts. I was amazing, and we did get tips from pro hikers. Baldy in the Summer #mtbaldy #mtsanantonio #hiking #mountainclimbing #sixpackofpeaks #socalhiking #socal #solohiker #femalehiker #outdoors". Baldy. We continue on and as we do my son announces his need to climb one of the 40-foot ski lift pylons. 0.5 miles: At the waterfall lookout, the Baldy fire road begins. stopping along the way to take it all in, not to mention to rest. Food and Water: Each of us brought 150 ounces of water, a bottle of Gatorade, lunch, energy snacks, 2 oranges. The one-way cost may be the same as round trip. Im imagining its like a regular ski lift that comes up behind you and you sit on it. One of the guys yells out, Are we having fun yet?my son asks, Are we close?one of the guys points up and says, Right there! Please note, that we have high, experienced expectations for Level 9hikers. Scarf or Facemask This trail is about 3 miles from the lodge to the summit with a net elevation gain of 2,264 feet. I'm sure it will be usefull. As we trekked along our buddy Sam that we met on the summit called out our names and soon was striding past us and down the trail. HIKE NAME: Mt. Follow the Devils Backbone Trail. During the weekend, at least two others were injured after. Continue 2.8 miles on Mt. This is the third of six southern California summits in what is called the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Water. Mount San Antonio is known as Baldy because there are no trees on the bare southern face of the mountain. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. Whitney. 1.0 mile: At the junction, turn left up the steep Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl trail). However they give very complicated directions and we dont recommend that you use them. Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! After crossing the spring, a spur trail leads to the Ski Hut by the base of the Baldy Bowl. We can carpool/caravan fromthe meeting point. Here is an overview of the Mt Baldy hike loop, going up Baldy Bowl Ski Hut Trail and down the Devil's Backbone Trail: Start hiking up Mt Baldy Road.