Wish we had stuff like this in Minnesota! Via Ski Hut, return Backbone; Hike 7-22-07; 100 photos on my Flickr. As we hiked along he told us of hikers who take this route in the winter months, hiking through the snow. Baldy Road. Baldy (via Devils Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. : No. 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 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. 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. 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. Find out more about hiking levels here: This man is totally amazing, never mind for a 74 year old, but for anyone who takes on Mt. Directions to Trailhead. My choice, as I wanted to experience one more time the thrill of completing the true Devils Backbone Ridge). 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). It was the narrow curvy edges that were most scary. 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. The trail is wide and right away gets your heart pumping as the road begins a steady incline ascent. LATH HIKE LEADS: Carol Martinez & Janiece Cordova, MEETING TIME: 5:00am 5:15am Please be on time. The trail starts near two porta-potties at a dirt road junction at Manker Flat. Was extremely windy yesterday, but . The trail to the summit begins at Manker Flats trailhead and we take the winding fire road up to Baldy Notch at which we will take a break. Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. 0.5 miles: At the waterfall lookout, the Baldy fire road begins. Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. You will see the top of Mt Baldy directly front of you. Harwood via Ski Hut Trail, May 30, 2015. Devil's Backbone Trail Area Status: Closed The Devil's Backbone Trail is currently CLOSED until further notice. Hiking is like mindfulness which teaches us to experience that which we are doing right now! A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for your vehicle while parked the the trailhead. Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. Oddly, my son seemed to suffer none of the same effects! San Antonio Devil's Backbone Ridge - Camino of Death, Images This a broad area is just after the Manker Flat Campground. 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. mdostby. 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. 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. 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. Turn right on Padua Avenue. It was very hard for us because we do not go prepared at all! After spotting Mt. Comfortable waterproofhiking boots with good grip. An Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle parked along the roadside. San Gabriel Mountains. This is the ridge that you will follow all the way up and is the SE Ridge, called Register Ridge, that goes up toward the summit of Mt. Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' 910 N. Mountain Ave 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. (You Dont need Forest Recreation Pass)www.mtbaldy.com. The hike to the summit of Mt. There was only one other hiker on the trail and she strode past us pretty quickly. Activities Hiking Mount Baldy and the Devil's Backbone has been on my to do list ever since my husband and I moved to Los Angeles. Arriving mid-afternoon at the Manker Flats Campground,which was to be our home for the next two nights, we set up camp. Just wondering if there was any snow?? Take the Mountain Ave. / Mount Baldy exit from either freeway, which is located in the city of Upland and head north towards the mountains. 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. 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. Baldy in the Summer #mtbaldy #mtsanantonio #hiking #mountainclimbing #sixpackofpeaks #socalhiking #socal #solohiker #femalehiker #outdoors". So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! 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! A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. 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.. The trail continues its 2.7-mile ascent up to Baldy Notch. It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. Dynamite work ethic however with a warm customer service specialty! Follow the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail route as if you are heading up to the Ski Hut. This is the ridge that you will follow all the way up and is the SE Ridge, called Register Ridge, that goes up toward the summit of Mt. Occasionally, there is live music at the Notch, such as Elevated Solstices reggae and roots rock lineup. This is a remarkably narrow rising ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side, connecting Baldy Notch to the summit. The views are unreal! Harwood. We continue on and as we do my son announces his need to climb one of the 40-foot ski lift pylons. Not my choice, as I was lost in a whiteout) and summertime (May 22, 2020. [] 10,064 foot summit and in the end, we concluded that ascending via Baldy Bowl and descending along The Devils Backbone, making for an 11.3 mile hike, was the best route we stand by this decision (Great post []. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is a great spot for refueling. There are steep slopes on both sides of the trail. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. 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. I must say not bad for first timers. Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes or Snow Shoesgood grip (Required) Hiking Socks Exit Baseline Road, Claremont from the 210 FWY only. Burger King (Parking Lot) Over half of this trail is partially or fully-exposed to the sun. Mountain Ave. will turn into Mt Baldy Road and dead end into the Ski Area Parking lot. For those who havent crossed the backbone, the views are superb! San Antonio and back! 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 Wilso. Baldy. Wool (Hiking) Socks. Start: Begin at Falls Road and head past the gate. Above the Ski Hut, the trail hits a rocky patch. In season, there may be many cars parked here, but there is ample parking space. A Natural Fit: Therapy and exercise neednt be mutually exclusive. This is a good training for anyone preparing for more advanced hikes such as Mt. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. Difficulty: Strenuous. 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. As mentioned earlier, the trail-head start was right across from the campground on Mt. If you do not take enough water or are not appropriately equipped for this hike, you will be turned away from doing this hike with us even if you show up. 3. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. Harwood, Mt. 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. stopping along the way to take it all in, not to mention to rest. Devil's Backbone Trail offers spectacular views from an impressive ridge-top trail. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California Distance: 11 miles (clockwise loop) Turn right to stay on Mt. (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. Baldy, so named due to its spareness on top, quite an impressive sight, since we were still miles away. You are fully responsible for yourself. 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. 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? 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. 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. 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. The elevation gain is the same as the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail and the distance is probably about the same. 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. Thanks for adding this good information. Baldy) 43,120 views Oct 11, 2015 138 Dislike Share Prouisorsapientiae 6.65K subscribers This section of Devil's Backbone Trail is. HIKE LEAD: TBA. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. Baldy Ski Lifts to Baldy Notch eliminates a 2.3 mile one-way (1,500 gain) from the ski lift parking lot. Our first night we had diner at the Mt. Enjoy your outing! The Devils Backbone connects Mt. The cost of the lift is $25 round trip for adults, $20 for youths age 13 to 17, $15 for children under 12 (must be at least 40 tall), and $15 for seniors over 65 (prices as of 2018). 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. Although dogs may be allowed in the area, we request no pets join us for this higher level hike. San Antonio as a loop route with some friends. Exercise and Addiction 12 Good Reasons Go To take A Hike! Flashlight (should we encountertwilight/darkness upon return) His name was Sam. Water. You can take the Old Baldy Trail, the Ski Hut Trail, or the Devils Backbone. San Antonio! The beauty of the near and far mountains and canyons is magnificent! Hand Warmers (Optional) 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. San Antonio greet us. 7.5 miles: Baldy Notch is at the top of the ski lift. Trekking Poles, FOR COLDER SEASONS: I am constantly reminded how much a hike is done one step at a time, much like in life, we are only given one-step or one day at a time! 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. 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. Perhaps 15 people can sleep here. This hike is all about the psychological. Objective: Summit Mt. 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. Mt Baldy Trail: My neighbor, Jose, standing on a large rock outcrop near the end of the Devil's Backbone section of the trail. The 210 FWY brings you closer to the Mountain and less city driving. Just did this hike yesterday. The fire road ends at the Devil's Backbone, and it is a trail from there on up to the summit. Baldy is its first peak. Having said that let the adventure begin! Snowshoes, crampons and ice axe may be needed in wintertime depending on snowpack. Difficulty: Strenuous. Cheddar Poppers. 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. I'm sure it will be usefull. Harwood, Mt. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." Baldy via Devil's Backbone and it was an amazing experience! We decided to ascend on the ski hut trail and come down on the devil's backbone so we can enjoy a loop. As far as creature comforts at Manker Flats, there are flush toilets, running water, no showers. The Devils Back Bone, connecting the top of the hill where the ski cable car ends with the Harwood Mountain, is a ridge with steep slopes on both sides. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is in a perfect place to rest and refuel. San Antonio Devil's Backbone Ridge - Camino of Death Image Gallery - 2 Images. Drive 2.3 miles to the Mt. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. Connecting with the same path we started on some 9 hours ago and seeing the white gate that signified the beginning of our journey brought with it a very satisfying feeling that we had completed what we had set out to do, hike to the summit of Mt. When on Baseline go west, to Monte Vista/Padua Ave. There are numerous trails to the top of Mt. Either route there is no gas station once you exit the freeway. 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. 11. The Manchester Preserve an Island of Natural Beauty, Health Benefits of Hiking ! #1We are going to the summit of Mt. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. 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. Baldy Village, which s downhill from the campground. Take some enough snacks & a lunch (trail mix, nuts, granola bars, fruit, etc.) HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? Make a right on Padua Avenue and continue for 1.8 miles. Baldy in the Summer Part 4 Down - Jay Sean. From the Notch, you can cheat and take the ski lift down. Poway, CA, Hike it! Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for . 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. Mount San Antonio is known as Baldy because there are no trees on the bare southern face of the mountain. 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. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. WATER REQUIRED. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Whitney or Half Dome. Each of the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain. San Antonio or as Southern Californians fondly call it Mt. We recommend purchasing an annual pass ($30) and a second vehicle pass for an additional $5, which totals $35 for two annual passes. Head back to Baldy Notch. Perseverance and sensing the top is near motivates and drives you past your screaming calves and thighs and airless lungs the final 1/4 of a mile. After crossing the spring, a spur trail leads to the Ski Hut by the base of the Baldy Bowl. PARKING PERMIT (REQUIRED): Adventure Pass: $5 Day, or $30 annual. The Trail is Open and its a heck of a climb!Saw a Bobcat on the way up too! 76. http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/, HIKE RSVP: AMAZING views, and Id definitely do this hike again. @ Mt. Riding the Sugar Pine Chair Lift up 1,500 at a cost of $25. The camaraderie of joining a select few who have hiked to the summit of Mt. 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. 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. And in fact, I included Baldy as peak #3 in my Six-Pack of Peaks progressive training series. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. If you drive beyond Manker Flat for about a mile, the road ends at the base of the ski lifts. As an update to the previous information: The Mount Baldy Ski Lift runs 7 days a week and tickets may be booked in advance. Via Ski Hut After about 10mins you'll see a sign and there are 3 different paths to different hikes (3 tree top, From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to, The first section starts off paved up until San, Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about. Rated 5 / 5. 0.46 miles: At the junction sign Round Valley 2 , turn right and hike along Long Valley Creek. MEETING TIME: 7:00am -7:20am (Please be there on time). San Antonio. Baldy is the highest peak in San Gabriel Mountains and the highest point in Los Angeles County. 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. Approx. We did it Dad! We made it! However, as our Sierra Club friend pointed out, a few of these hikers got lost due to the snow covering the trail and have died due to exposure to the elements while being lost in the wilderness of the valley. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail as an out and back. Hello there Will. The one-way cost may be the same as round trip. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. HIKE DATE: Saturday, September 21, 2019 LATH HIKE LEADS: Carol Martinez & Janiece Cordova MEETING TIME: 5:00am - 5:15am Please be on time. Baldy! 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. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. All Rights Reserved. Its one thing to see this beauty from the safety of distance, it is quite another to feel it and experience it as you hike right through it crossing on this hairpin trail! 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. This can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Baldy Village for $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. Baldy Road. 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. The spine-tingling hike along a tantalizing spine starts from Baldy Notch. Fun local Hike in the North County! 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. The elevation gain is the same as the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail and the distance is probably about the same. 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!