Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at 10,064 feet and is the highest point of the San Gabriel Mountains. As the summit of San Antonio draws closer, the geography turns from sparse vegetation and greenery to the starkness of small rocks, gravel and what the surface of the moon must look like. Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering Keep your eye on the prize and when needed the trail! Hes 74 and does this twice a week, I say hes the motivation! We continued our winding descent through this beautiful mountain scenery. 12 Moderate to Difficult Hikes Near Los Angeles If time is limited, consider hiking to Mt. San Antonio there are two things at this point I want to do: #1, drop my backpack, hiking stick and water bottle, and give my son a huge hug and congratulate us both! Make a left at Falls Road. You will notice that the trail makes a sharp turn towards the north as you hike up from the register box, travel up the trail approximately 40 meters past the register box. Climb Devil's Backbone, Los Angeles Basin - Mountain Project Although very steep, the Ski Hut trail offers very scenic views as you hike through a forest of pines. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. Sam the 74 year old kept complementing my son on his creative use of pine by saying, Very Strong, your boy is Very Strong. He would say this to everyone in fact even telling me that I motivate him! This a broad area is just after the Manker Flat Campground. Baldy is its first peak. Bringing tasty BBQ to the southern Illinois region There is a white gate and blue porta-potty to landmark the start. 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. Get to there via the 210 FWY. Directions to Trailhead. 01/25/15, Monserate Mountain Fallbrook Land Conservancy 11/07/2014, Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve: Roundtrip; West Approach to East and back.08/02/14 Hiker Therapy, Hiking The East County of San Diego: McGinty Mountain! Please try to have this prior to the day of the hike. The fire road ends at the Devil's Backbone, and it is a trail from there on up to the summit. Scarf or Facemask GETTING THERE: WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. Continue to the saddle and then on the ridge or slightly to the north side, to the top of MT Baldy. For the easiest route, follow the access road leading toward the top of the left-side ski lifts. Not far from Los Angeles, this trail is heavily trafficked. 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. Windbreaker 0.46 miles: At the junction sign Round Valley 2 , turn right and hike along Long Valley Creek. I recommend the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail, which has a sign along the way down that says Baldy Bowl Trail, for a descent route. All Rights Reserved. Perhaps 15 people can sleep here. NOTE: Well be driving from Subway to the hike Manker Flats trail head. six smoked, skin-on 1st and 2nd joint wings with choice of bar-b-q sauce. We did it Dad! We made it! Located in the Angeles National Forest, Mt. Beanie The Baldy Bowl appears on the left and the trail to the summit with patches of leftover snow straight ahead. Woodson, itself just over 2000 feet in elevation. The best time of year to do this hike is May-June and October-November, other times of the year it can get hot, cold, windy and snowy. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. Harwood, to the summit. There are numerous trails to the top of Mt. 1.0 mile: At the junction, turn left up the steep Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl trail). Harwood can be seen in the background. Baldy is its first peak. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. Gators and eye protection (sunglasses). Follow the Devil's Backbone Trail. Baldy, the highest point in Los Angeles County. Find homes for sale, market statistics, foreclosures, property taxes, real estate news, agent reviews, condos, neighborhoods on Blockshopper.com It Come with free parking for lift tickets customers. Baldy. A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. Contact the ski resort directly for more information and booking. From Baldy Notch, the fireroad climbs steeply to the second ski lift, marking the start of the Devils Backbone Trail. Exit Baseline Road, Claremont from the 210 FWY only. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." As far as creature comforts at Manker Flats, there are flush toilets, running water, no showers. -Mike. That snow covered area in the distance is Mt Baldy's lower, Western Summit. Drive 2.3 miles to the Mt. San Antonio, each offering their own unique challenge, the one we choose included the infamous, Devils Backbone on the ascent and the Ski Hut trail on the descent. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1a4b715ba3ed8c654c79b92916eaa98a. I added the Register Ridge Variation to the Baldy Notch Route page. Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. This hike is all about the psychological. As you begin this portion of the hike, the trail seems to narrow down to a mere crossable path as it takes a roller coaster feel to it, bending, turning, dipping even slanting to what seems like a 45 degree angle. Trailhead, September 2012. Baldy Ski Lifts to Baldy Notch eliminates a 2.3 mile one-way (1,500 gain) from the ski lift parking lot. It then ascends over a dozen little switchbacks at the western edge of the Baldy Bowl. 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. 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! Mt. Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. In 7.2 miles, go past Mt. : No. Mt. Baldy (via Ski Hut and Devil's Backbone) - Elemental Quests He guided us to the proper route along the trail and hiked off ahead of us down the mountain. Baldy Road and find parking on the side of the street above Manker Flat campground. 1.7 miles: Take the northern trail along the ridge to Mt. 76. Devil's Backbone Trail is 3.3-miles long with 2,350 feet of elevation gain, and can be reached several ways: From the summit of Mount Baldy after hiking 4.5 miles up Baldy Bowl Trail as part of the 11.3-mile Mount Baldy Loop By riding the Mount Baldy ski lift up 1,500 feet in elevation to Baldy Notch Park at Manker Flat. There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail as an out and back. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. After hiking 6.8 miles and nearly 5 hours to ascend Mt. Continue 2.8 miles on Mt. 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. At the final push up the mountain three hikers who were just starting the descent from the summit of Mt. 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. REAL TRAIL NAME: Mt Baldy Summit from The Notch via Devils Backbone Trail *** THIS PAGE IS NOT UP TO DATE *** HIKE DATE: Sunday, October 16, 2010. DEVIL'S BACKBONE - 198 Photos & 61 Reviews - Hiking - 6777 Mt Baldy Rd The gentler access road is to the left of this trail, and it snakes up the ridge rather than going straight up. 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. 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! Coming from the Register Ridge Trail you can go to the right and head down the D.BBone to the ski lodge then back to Manker Flats. Mt Baldy - Ski Hut Trail 02/16 : r/socalhiking - reddit . Harwood. (an Aerobic Excersize), How Hiking can Kill Anxiety, Depression and Build Resistance, Rattlesnakes on San Diego County Hiking Trails, This Vet Overcame His PTSD By Hiking 12 US National Parks, Why Hiking is the Perfect Mind and Body Soul Workout. The feeling of accomplishment is like none other! Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. It traverses a ridge-top trail at the summit of Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains. San Antonio was right across the street. Mt. San Antonio (Mt Baldy) Loop - CohaiTungChi Tech HIKE LEVEL: Level 9. Microspikesor IceTrekkers, shoe chain traction (Highly recommended) San Gabriel Mountains. Baldy Road. From there, you walk down the rest of the ridge and meet the normal Devils Backbone Trail on your left, continuing to traverse Mt. Part 4: Hiking Mt. Baldy in the Summer #mtbaldy #mtsanantonio #hiking If you drive beyond Manker Flat for about a mile, the road ends at the base of the ski lifts. Mt Baldy - via Devil's Backbone - LA Trail Hikers Baldy (via Devil's Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. As we came upon the Ski Hut, the trail at this point had leveled off a bit and although still had dips and turns, it was not nearly as steep or Cree covered as the previous part of the route had been. Maybe you'd like to add it as a new route. (37), Comments Follow the Mt Baldy Rd. Devil's Backbone Trail With about 800ft to the summit, the Baldy Bowl trail starts to stiffen up for the steepest climbing of the day. The other thing I wanted to do at the summit is find the coveted MT SAN ANTONIO BALDY 10,064 plaque and have my picture taken with my son standing hovering over it. Turn right to stay on Mt. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. It could get very cold (winds) and the next minute get hot so be prepared!!! 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. Just wondering if there was any snow?? Much like life this trail has lots of ups and downs and is done one step at the time. HIKE WALKTHROUGH: This is a popular route because it can take advantage of riding the ski lift. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. Angeles National Forest - Devil3As Backbone Trail - US Forest Service What is Hiker Therapy and how did it evolve? Follow any of the ski runs west to the top or the ski area boundry. 2.8 miles: The trail reaches the summit. By hiking 2.3 miles from the parking lot at the base of the ski lift to Baldy Notch. Okay, now to clarify the multiple approaches to the peak of Mt. 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. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. Whitney. Baldy Village. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. Gower Open Space Preserve, Ramona, California..November 2012, Grounded on the Trail, Grounded in Life by Mark Lees, M.A., Hiker Therapy, Cowles Mtn, Mission Trails Regional Park, Santee.CA; Big Rock Rd. Pretty much snow all the way up beyond the ski-hut, recommend crampons/microspikes and an early start when the pack is somewhat firm. Harwood, Mt. Devil's Backbone Trail to Mt. Baldy Peak | Humble Hiker Poway, CA, Hike it! DEVIL'S BACKBONE - 198 Photos & 62 Reviews - 6777 Mt Baldy Rd, Mount Hand Warmers (Optional) Baldy Road. Lake Calavera Preserve: Carlsbad, CA.10/08/2020, Iron Mountain, Poway CA 01/31/2020 Hiker Therapy, Monserate Mountain Preserve, Fallbrook Land Conservancy, 03/06/2019 Hiker Therapy, Oakzanita Peak via East Mesa Fire Road Trail: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, East Mesa Trailhead 01/10/2019 Hiker Therapy, Ramona Grasslands County Preserve; Ramona. The hike is a strenuous one in which there is an approximate 3,900 feet of vertical gain to reach the top. DEVIL'S BACKBONE - 198 Photos & 61 Reviews - Hiking - 6777 Mt Baldy Rd, Mount Baldy, CA - Yelp Devil's Backbone 61 reviews Unclaimed Hiking See 201 photos Third Stream Falls Old Baldy Ice House Canyon Trail Mount Baldy San Antonio Falls Iron Mountain Via Heaton Flats Mount Baden-Powell Trail Lake Gregory Regional Park Sunset Peak Hike Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! Baldy Road somewhat exhausted, but at the same time exhilarated, the thought that entered my mind was that this was one of the, if not the, most mentally and physically demanding experiences I have ever had, I was also thinking that it is one of my lifetime and that I am very grateful I could share this experience with my son. Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. Anytime you are reading about something called the Devils Backbone and its drop offs on either side of the trail at 9000 plus feet, its time to stop researching, I decided to stop researching! Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. Climb with caution, as Camino of Death can be more dangerous than the Matterhorn of the Alps, because it does not have the fixed rope protection and is certainly more challenging than the last segment of Mountaineers Route of Mt. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. In the summer, the loose and slippery scree is treacherous. We recommend purchasing an annual pass ($30) and a second vehicle pass for an additional $5, which totals $35 for two annual passes. The narrow trail climbs north straight up the side of San Antonio Canyon. Turn left again at Mt. Even though the view was incredible it was windy and frightening. 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 After crossing the spring, a spur trail leads to the Ski Hut by the base of the Baldy Bowl. There is no source of water after you pass the Notch Restaurant and the ridge is almost always windy and exposed to sun. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level. The trail begins on a fire road. On the access road from Manker Flat (Falls Road), the route is gentle and unambiguious. Activities Hiking When reaching the summit we will take a longer break depending on the temperature and wind. The spine-tingling hike along a tantalizing spine starts from Baldy Notch. The hike to the summit of Mt. Baldy) via the Devils Backbone is classic for hikers on the San Gabriel Mountains where Mt. Baldy is one of the most prominent mountains with some amazing 360 degree views over Southern California. At one point the trail branches off and down into a valley. Hiking Socks Incorporating the Ski Hut Trail into a loop would shave off about 2.5 miles. Devil's Backbone Trail | Los Angeles | Hikespeak.com On the day we hiked, the daytime temp was low 80s, although the 14 mph winds kept it very comfortable. Harwood, continuing toward a saddle between Mt Baldy and Mt Harwood. Hiking is like mindfulness which teaches us to experience that which we are doing right now! At the summit are several crude rock windbreaks. 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. This trail boasts s Dan's Hiking Pages: Mt. Baldy - SimpsonCity 3.3 miles: Turn around when reaching West Baldy. Besides a hearty breakfast, I would highly suggest an early start when doing this hike, not only due to the time it takes to complete but if you are attempting this hike in the summer months it can and does get hot. HIKE WALKTHROUGH:San Antonio Peak aka Mt. HIKE DURATION: 9 hrs. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. I hiked Mt. However, the fear turns to exhilaration mixed with vast shots of adrenaline, not too mention for me a spiritual awakening! Im imagining its like a regular ski lift that comes up behind you and you sit on it. On a hot day this road can be quite hot and exposed so bring sunscreen! Shasta), with steep slopes running down on both sides. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! You can see the desert and the city of Barstow, Los Angeles in the distance and I have been told on a very clear day, the island of Catalina. This man had more energy than the rest of us combined. MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? The trail starts near two porta-potties at a dirt road junction at Manker Flat. Enjoy your outing! San Antonio trail is considered the mother of all hikes and one that is a must on the bucket list of hiking trails! Ski Hut Trail for ascent & Devil's Backbone Trail for the descend San Antonio Devil's Backbone Ridge - Camino of Death Image Gallery - 2 Images. 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. Return Approx: 4:00pm, HIKE LEVEL:Level9(**Experienced Hikers only** Highly Strenuous. Burger King (Parking Lot) After a good nights sleep we set out at 7:30am. DOG FRIENDLY? This hike represented for me the epitome of what a hike can provide as far as the mental and physical challenges and benefits. This trail is for hiking. --Douglas Adams, Images 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. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. 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I have done it both in wintertime (December 25, 2019. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience. Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass? Baldy, authorities said. Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead. It was the narrow curvy edges that were most scary. DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. Baldy: 1 - The Devil's Backbone trail approaches the summit from the east. Mineral resources of the Mount Baldy Primitive Area, Arizona : an He had done this hike many times before, appeared very experienced, and was kind enough to hike with us to show us the proper route to take back down. My choice, as I wanted to experience one more time the thrill of completing the true Devils Backbone Ridge). Once you reach the lodge, there appear to be several possible routes to the west. These are horseshoe-shaped piles of stone that are just high enough (2-3 feet) to protect campers from the wind. Take some enough snacks & a lunch (trail mix, nuts, granola bars, fruit, etc.) Head back to Baldy Notch. MT BALDY RESORT - 608 Photos & 463 Reviews - Yelp This hike was on my must conquer list for a while! Even before making the trek across the backbone, its fear factor kicks in big time! The elevation gain is the same as the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail and the distance is probably about the same. Harwood. (76), Climber's Log Entries Baldy. San Antonio! 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. There is another similar windbreak in a much more protected location along the trail below the summit. When my son and I had convinced ourselves, he was doing much of the convincing, that we were going to do this hike we had two goals in mind. If you wish to look us up on map quest you can use 6700 Mt Baldy Road CA 91759.