DISTANCE: 6 - 9 Miles (Round trip). This is a higher level hike and should not be taken lightly. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. Multiple fatalities here- people losing footing and sliding down several hundred feet bouncing offf rocks and trees. DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. Mount Baldy via Devils Backbone Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains, The Best Way to Summit Mount Baldy! Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Or climb Mt. 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. Sometimes, you slide your body on the edge of a rock hanging over the swallowing precipice. The feeling of accomplishment is like none other! At the final push up the mountain three hikers who were just starting the descent from the summit of Mt. Register Ridge VariationAuthor: Mike ZimmermanDate: June 27, 2004 2:50 PM Follow the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail route as if you are heading up to the Ski Hut. Having said that let the adventure begin! Distance: 6.6 miles (out and back) Water. There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. The Devil's Backbone is the sharp ridge extending due east from the summit of Mt. Distance: 11 miles (clockwise loop) San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. There are numerous trails to the top of Mt. 11/20/2020 Lauren C. I summited Mt. 2.6 miles: After the Ski Hut, the trail reaches the ridge and ascends to the summit. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. In the southern California hiking world the Mt. Burger King (Parking Lot) 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. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. Baldy is its first peak. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. Microspikesor IceTrekkers, shoe chain traction (Highly recommended) Adding microspikes to your shoes will help in keep best traction with snow (highly recommended). Uphills with quickgain, NoBeginners, Intermediate Hikers, No Kids, No Dogs), WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL? General Info: The Devil's Backbone Trail is 3.24 miles long. Harwood, Mt. 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. At this point one other hiker was at the top and we asked him to take our picture. San Antonio, is reason enough to take in the view! In the summer, the loose and slippery scree is treacherous. 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: One of these five really made an impression not only on us but everyone else who met him as well. Baldy. Devil's Backbone is a trail that stretches along the ridge of the mountain east of the Mt. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. Continue to the saddle and then on the ridge or slightly to the north side, to the top of MT Baldy. The trail starts near two porta-potties at a dirt road junction at Manker Flat. 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. We did it Dad! We made it! Baldy Notch - Devil's Backbone Trail Both hikes depart from Manker Flats and can be combined into one scenic and challenging 11.3-mile loop with 3,900 feet of elevation gain. The trail is made up of compact gravel and is very wide. Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! However, be wary that trails are hard to follow on the stone surface, and taking the wrong one may necessitate steep backtracking. (10,064) elevation. Over half of this trail is partially or fully-exposed to the sun. It is much easier to return to Manker Flat, even though you lose some altitude. At the end, you climb to the edge of the cliff with a sigh of relief, enjoying the complete vista of the Devils Backbone Ridge. Baldy via Devil's Backbone and it was an amazing experience! The Notch also has 600 zip lines that are 70 above the ground. Antonio (Mt. We went in regular gym clothes, not knowing that we were in for a surprise. Most of the challenge in the descent is presented in the form of very steep terrain with a trail made up of loose gravel, small and large stones and trail dust, or as it is fondly called, Cree.. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Be prepared if this is your plan. This is the third of six southern California summits in what is called the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. Dont let it intimidate you. When I first considered doing this hike with my son, I must admit that the intimidation factor was high and did not lessen the more I researched this hike. Aurelia Squire Harwood was a conservationist, educator, and first female President of the Sierra Club. Thanks. Some people choose to start hiking from here and hike straight up beneath the ski lifts, but this trail is unnecessarily steep and loose, and signs warn that the parking lot gate is locked at 6:30pm. (1), Additions & Corrections Mt. 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. 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. We continued our winding descent through this beautiful mountain scenery. Sierra Club Ski Hut Trek Highlights. Why not combine some of the routes into a big loop? As we approached the San Gabriel Mountains we saw off in the distance the ominous silhouette of Mt. 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 The Devils Backbone connects Mt. 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 Please note, that we have high, experienced expectations for Level 9hikers. Do not do this hike in the winter unless you are a mountaineer with alpine meadows ice/snow travel experience. San Antonio, Its A Volcano! Just wondering if there was any snow?? Devil's Backbone. http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/, https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events, http://socalhiker.net/hiking-mt-san-antonio-baldy-loop-trail/, http://www.modernhiker.com/2007/11/22/hiking-mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy-and-mount-harwood/, http://www.everytrail.com/guide/mt-san-antonio-baldy-loop, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_San_Antonio. HIKE LEVEL: Level 9. As there are a few routes to take, we choose the Ski Hut trail back down. GETTING THERE: It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for . Baldy Road. However, the real challenging part of the Devils Backbone is not on the Devils Backbone Trail per se, which dodges the most difficult and the most perilous area of the Devils Backbone Ridge. Baldy Road. Baldy Village, which s downhill from the campground. What is Hiker Therapy and how did it evolve? 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. 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. The summit actually has two peaks: the main peak, elevation 10,068 feet (3,069 m), and a sub-peak, West Baldy, at 9,988 feet (3,044 m). The spine-tingling hike along a tantalizing spine starts from Baldy Notch. -Mike. 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. 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. I am not sure about the chairlift regulations. This man is totally amazing, never mind for a 74 year old, but for anyone who takes on Mt. Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead. Although it is only 4.4 miles in distance the Ski Hut trail proved to be as challenging if not more challenging than the route we choose to ascend the mountain over the Devils Backbone. Make a left at Falls Road. (76), Climber's Log Entries As a pretty fit guy with a quick pace (although I do not hike very often), it took 1:45 to get from the Notch to the summit in July 2016. Difficulty: Strenuous. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. 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. 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. Located in the Angeles National Forest, Mt. The hike to the summit of Mt. Dynamite work ethic however with a warm customer service specialty! As mentioned earlier, the trail-head start was right across from the campground on Mt. Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Follow the Devils Backbone Trail. : Upon gaining the ridgeline, there is a mile-long final push to the top of the summit. 1.7 miles: Take the northern trail along the ridge to Mt. From the trail-head start to this point we covered the 3.6 miles in two hours with an elevation gain of 2000 ft. From Baldy Notch you get a very clear, vivid and quite frankly intimidating view of your destination, the ridge line of the Devils Backbone and off in the distance the summit of Mt. By now the legs and lungs have grown accustomed to the steady ascent and hanging in there very well. 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. This man had more energy than the rest of us combined. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail as an out and back. 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/, HIKE RSVP: Baldy in the Summer Part 4 Down - Jay Sean. Harwood. The path dips before rejoining the Backbone for one last climb up the switchbacks to the top of Baldy. Your email address will not be published. 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. Pretty much snow all the way up beyond the ski-hut, recommend crampons/microspikes and an early start when the pack is somewhat firm. There are several ways to get to the summit: the ski hut/baldy bowl trail, the devil's backbone trail and the bear canyon trail (probably the most difficult). After a few hundreds yard, the trail will cross the left slope of the ridge and arrive on the south slope of Mt. All of a sudden, you can see Baldy Notch. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is in a perfect place to rest and refuel. San Gabriel Mountains. Head back to Baldy Notch. Devil's Backbone! Turn left on Baseline Road. Hello there Will. In 7.2 miles, go past Mt. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Devil's Backbone Trail offers spectacular views from an impressive ridge-top trail. The drive from Encinitas to our destination of the Manker Flats campground in the Angeles National Forest is about 117 miles or 2.5 hours. Just did this hike yesterday. It could get very cold (winds) and the next minute get hot so be prepared!!! Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Hardwood, and down past the ski resort to the valley floor. We even saw the ridge line of the Devils Backbone, which leads to the Baldy summit. Baldy: 1 - The Devil's Backbone trail approaches the summit from the east. When reaching the summit we will take a longer break depending on the temperature and wind. Food and Water: Each of us brought 150 ounces of water, a bottle of Gatorade, lunch, energy snacks, 2 oranges. Hiking Boots/Shoes withgood grip (Required) (Instructions for making a reservation when the Ski Hut is open, can be found here.). This part of the trail immediately under goes a change of scenery, the alpine feel of the hike, although somewhat present gives way to the sparseness of the ridge line, and the breathtaking views of the mountainside giving way to the vast canyons far below! Poway, CA, Hike it! Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California On the day we hiked, the daytime temp was low 80s, although the 14 mph winds kept it very comfortable. Baldy Ski Lifts parking lot. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience. For example, the San Antonio! It traverses a ridge-top trail at the summit of Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains. Start: Devils Backbone Trail connects Baldy Notch with the peak, and is 2.8 miles long with 2,269 of elevation gain. 40 Likes, TikTok video from kepurba (@kepurba): "Part 4: Hiking Mt. I must say not bad for first timers. 2.8 miles: The trail reaches the summit. 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. Thank you. Rated 5 / 5. 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. It is the most dangerous zone on Mt. Contact the ski resort directly for more information and booking. This part of the ridge is exposed, narrow, and cluttered with boulders, one of which is over 7 feet tall (in the winter with the accumulation of snow, it is much taller). Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at 10,064 feet and is the highest point of the San Gabriel Mountains. 7.5 miles: Baldy Notch is at the top of the ski lift. Turn North (right) on Padua, follow for a mile to the light. The Scariest Section Of Devil's Backbone Trail (Mt. In reality, it is probably better to do this hike without your dog. Woodson, itself just over 2000 feet in elevation. 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. Approx 14 Miles. Scarf or Facemask He is most certainly at the peak facing Westward. This is Baldy Notch. mdostby. (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. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. What were the tips from pro hikers? Make a right on Padua Avenue and continue for 1.8 miles. Baldy Village. San Antonio or as Southern Californians fondly call it Mt. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! Hand Warmers (Optional) San Antonio (Baldy) Trail, Incredible Experience! AMAZING views, and Id definitely do this hike again. Find out more about hiking levels here: Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. Part of the ridge is only two inches wide (which I call the Mouse Walk, after the Cat's Walk on Casaval Ridge of Mt. This a broad area is just after the Manker Flat Campground. Much like life this trail has lots of ups and downs and is done one step at the time. The 210 FWY brings you closer to the Mountain and less city driving. If, and only if it suits you, then RSVP for this event and show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on the details page for this hike). As an update to the previous information: The Mount Baldy Ski Lift runs 7 days a week and tickets may be booked in advance. Baldy. In this clockwise loop, you take the Ski Hut Trail to the summit, follow the Devils Backbone to the Notch, and take the fireroad back to the trailhead. 2. Judging from trail wear, most people go straight up a steeper ski slope. And, reflection of sun from snow can cause sunburn as well. A Natural Fit: Therapy and exercise neednt be mutually exclusive. Mt Baldy and Devils Backbone Trail Report May 31st, 2020, return via Sierra Ski Hut Trail. 16 Miles. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. 06/14/2014, Coming Soon: Short and Steep but what a view!Mt Woodson from Hwy 67 Fire Station3/15/14, Hell Hole Canyon, Valley Center, CA: 01/31/2014, A top 5 Hike!Volcan Mountain Wildlife Preserve, Julian California, Hike the HIghest Peak in the City of San Diego: Cowles Mountain, Santa Ysabel Preserve East, Julian, CA: Back Country Hiking Hiker Therapy, Monserate Mountain Preserve Fallbrook, CA Hiker Therapy, Calavera Mountain: Lake Calavera Preserve, Tri-City Area, San Diego North County, Cedar Creek Falls Hike, Julian, CA 03/29/2013 Hiker Therapy, Urban Hike: Seven (7) Bridges San Diego Hiker Therapy, Hybrid Hike: Iron Mountain/Ellie Lane Trail. Baldy) via the Devil's Backbone is classic for hikers on the San Gabriel Mountains where Mt. GEAR CHECKLIST: by Mark | May 26, 2012 | Hikes & Trails!, Hiking Trails. Baldy Ski Lifts to Baldy Notch eliminates a 2.3 mile one-way (1,500 gain) from the ski lift parking lot. Many choose to cut uphill in a narrow switchback pattern to ensure their footing. This hike is the easiest way up to Mt Baldy, however remembers it starts and stays in high elevation, so some people may experience altitude sickness. My son even brought up how this hike is a great reminder to enjoy the journey and everything along the way, and to stop and smell the roses, worry less about the destination. We took in the picturesque view and sounds of the falls for a second time, and as we continued on, off in the distance we started to see Mt. Not my choice, as I was lost in a whiteout) and summertime (May 22, 2020. We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike youre not ready for. Otherwise, the way back is a wide and level fire road back to the trailhead. The elevation gain is the same as the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail and the distance is probably about the same. Objective: Summit Mt. Baldy is one of the most prominent mountains with some amazing 360 degree views over Southern California. If he wasnt taking everyones picture with his own camera, he was offering us Korean foods he had brought to the summit with him as snacks. Once you reach the lodge, there appear to be several possible routes to the west. HIKE WALKTHROUGH: This is a popular route because it can take advantage of riding the ski lift. If the lift is running this will knock off almost 4 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. I was amazing, and we did get tips from pro hikers. Baldy Village. From Baldy Notch, the fireroad climbs steeply to the second ski lift, marking the start of the Devils Backbone Trail. 910 N. Mountain Ave After hiking 6.8 miles and nearly 5 hours to ascend Mt. Not only was this a great place to camp but also the trail-head start to Mt. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. Our first night we had diner at the Mt. Walking out onto this rock will really give you "butterflies" because it's about a 2,000 foot drop to Stockton Flats below - quite a view!