Maybe you'd like to add it as a new route. Enjoy your outing! If the lift is running this will knock off almost 4 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. San Antonio! Continue 2.8 miles on Mt. Date & Time: Thursday May 17, 2012 7:30AM to 5:30PM 10 hours. Turn East (right) onto Mt Baldy Rd. "I love deadlines. Baldy) via the Devils Backbone is classic for hikers on the San Gabriel Mountains where Mt. If time is limited, consider hiking to Mt. View Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone Image Gallery - 76 Images. 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. Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. Adding microspikes to your shoes will help in keep best traction with snow (highly recommended). The spine-tingling hike along a tantalizing spine starts from Baldy Notch. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. At the peak, there are some windbreaks next to the famous metal summit plaque. Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at 10,064 feet and is the highest point of the San Gabriel Mountains. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1a4b715ba3ed8c654c79b92916eaa98a. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience. If you drive beyond Manker Flat for about a mile, the road ends at the base of the ski lifts. 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. | Mr and Mrs Adventure, https://metropolitanmolly.com/2021/06/14/hiking-mount-baldy-how-to-successfully-conquer-the-tallest-mountain-in-the-angeles-national-forest-summer-edition/, From the summit of Mount Baldy after hiking 4.5 miles up, By riding the Mount Baldy ski lift up 1,500 feet in elevation to Baldy Notch, By hiking 3.5 mile up a dirt road from Manker Flats to Baldy Notch. Poway, CA, Hike it! In season, there may be many cars parked here, but there is ample parking space. Harwood. Soon we heard the rushing water of San Antonio Falls, a yearly flowing waterfall. By now the legs and lungs have grown accustomed to the steady ascent and hanging in there very well. San Antonio was right across the street. The hike to the summit of Mt. by Mark | May 26, 2012 | Hikes & Trails!, Hiking Trails. San Antonio. 7.5 miles: Baldy Notch is at the top of the ski lift. The trail is made up of compact gravel and is very wide. We can carpool/caravan fromthe meeting point. http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/, HIKE RSVP: 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. For me just seeing the splendor of the surrounding mountains, including in the distance, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto both higher than Mt. Both the Devil's Backbone and Baldy Bowl trails end relatively in the same location, so a loop is possible. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. Baldy. Trekking Poles, FOR COLDER SEASONS: Baldy! Do share! One of these five really made an impression not only on us but everyone else who met him as well. 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. Water. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is in a perfect place to rest and refuel. HIKE DURATION: 9 hrs. HIKE LEVEL: Level 9. San Antonio (aka Mt Baldy) Loop via Devils Backbone. 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. Once you reach the lodge, there appear to be several possible routes to the west. San Antonio. DOG FRIENDLY? MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? 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. 2.6 miles: After the Ski Hut, the trail reaches the ridge and ascends to the summit. Approx 14 Miles. There is no source of water after you pass the Notch Restaurant and the ridge is almost always windy and exposed to sun. Be prepared for the cold, snow, ice and with proper sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.). I'm sure it will be usefull. (5 ), Mt. We went through the Devils Backbone and the pictures that are shown online is not the scary part! Each of the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain. Devil's Backbone, Mt. 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 Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass. The East face of Mt. Literally, you straddle with one leg on one side and the other leg on the other side of the ridge. Please try to have this prior to the day of the hike. 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. Wear sunscreen, comfortable warm clothes and shoes. 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. This a broad area is just after the Manker Flat Campground. 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. Baldy Ski Lifts parking lot. Baldy in the Summer #mtbaldy #mtsanantonio #hiking #mountainclimbing #sixpackofpeaks #socalhiking #socal #solohiker #femalehiker #outdoors". 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. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. 1/13/2023. Follow the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail route as if you are heading up to the Ski Hut. There are numerous trails to the top 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. 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! #1We are going to the summit of Mt. It is much easier to return to Manker Flat, even though you lose some altitude. Much like life this trail has lots of ups and downs and is done one step at the time. -Mike. Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for the Ski Hut trail junction. It could get very cold (winds) and the next minute get hot so be prepared!!! 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. Good description of hiking Mt Baldy via the Devils Backbone Trail. Double Peak Mountain, San Marcos , CA 07/04/2017 : Hiker Therapy, Beach Hike! Burger King (Parking Lot) As we approached the San Gabriel Mountains we saw off in the distance the ominous silhouette of Mt. Navigate; Linked Data; Dashboard; Tools / Extras 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. Turn left on Baseline Road. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? Baldy In the Summer Part 4 | Down the Devil's Backbone | to the Top of the Notch | .Hiking Mt. 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! 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. Harwood. Coming down the first part of the ridge, the trail veers left (if the hiker goes up from the Notch, the restaurant) and cuts through the mountainside, while the Devils Backbone Ridge continues upward, with narrower and more slippery foothold. Walk past the locked gate of Falls Road and follow the dirt road for almost 2 miles to the ski lodge. As we hiked along he told us of hikers who take this route in the winter months, hiking through the snow. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. 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. This trail boasts s Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes or Snow Shoesgood grip (Required) This is a remarkably narrow rising ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side, connecting Baldy Notch to the summit. Head back to Baldy Notch. . Contact the ski resort directly for more information and booking. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. 1. Oddly, my son seemed to suffer none of the same effects! Thermos (underlayer to keep warm Optional) During the weekend, at least two others were injured after. Park at Manker Flat. The Devil's Backbone connects Mt. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California Harwood can be seen in the background. Whitney. 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. Turn right on Padua Avenue. The trail begins on a fire road. This trail is about 3 miles from the lodge to the summit with a net elevation gain of 2,264 feet. Make a right on Padua Avenue and continue for 1.8 miles. 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. Make a left at Falls Road. After doing this hike I now know why people climb mountains, the sense of accomplishment is beyond words! Devil's Backbone is a trail that stretches along the ridge of the mountain east of the Mt. CA 11/07/2018 Hiker Therapy, Hike The Lagoon: Batiquitos Lagoon; Carlsbad, CA 09/16/2018 Hiker Therapy, Santa Margarita River Trail, Fallbrook, CA Fathers Day Hike 06/18/2017 Hiker Therapy, Cedar Creek Falls Trail Julian, CA 04/28/2018 Hiker Therapy, Double Peak Trail San Marcos, CA 03/04/2018 Hiker Therapy, Iron Mountain, Poway, CA Feb., 17, 2018 Hiker Therapy, Blue Sky Ecological Reserve in Poway, CA 02/03/2018 Hiker Therapy, Pyles Peak via Cowles Mountain Service Road, Barker Way Trailhead: Hiker Therapy 01/14/2018, Cowles Mountain via Barker Way; Cowles Mountain Service Road Trail: 10/22/2017 Hiker Therapy, Lake Calavera Preserve and Volcano! Im imagining its like a regular ski lift that comes up behind you and you sit on it. Baldy (via Devils Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. Antonio (Mt. This man had more energy than the rest of us combined. It is the most dangerous zone on Mt. The Devils Backbone keeps ascending until it levels off next to Mt. Hiking Boots/Shoes withgood grip (Required) 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. This is the third of six southern California summits in what is called the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. Devil's Backbone Trail Area Status: Closed The Devil's Backbone Trail is currently CLOSED until further notice. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. If you follow the ridge up, you will find several class 4 climbs. From here, you can enjoy views of the other high peaks of the back range of the San Gabriel Mountains. San Gabriel Mountains. 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. Objective: Summit Mt. 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. Exercise and Addiction 12 Good Reasons Go To take A Hike! Wool (Hiking) Socks. We decided to ascend on the ski hut trail and come down on the devil's backbone so we can enjoy a loop. Peak Elevation: 10,064 : Sky Haven West Trailhead: Hiker Therapy 07/15/17, Fireworks Hike! As we approached our campground walking back along 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! Baldy Road. Hello there Will. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level. Baldy Village, which s downhill from the campground. [] 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 []. If you wish to look us up on map quest you can use 6700 Mt Baldy Road CA 91759. 4k 60fps Norwegian Xplorer 5.5K views 2 years ago I Can't Believe We Had to TURN AROUND!. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. Many people opt to park at the ski area parking and take the first ski lift up to Baldy Notch. By clicking Attending, or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. AMAZING views, and Id definitely do this hike again. HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed a LATH hike Level 7+ and up with no problem. DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. GETTING THERE: (1), Additions & Corrections All Rights Reserved. Big Laguna Trail Loop: Trail loop provides tour of mountain landscapes, Doctors tell Us How Hiking Can Change Our Brains, Don't be a rescue statistic bring water on hike. The campground is set in a very peaceful, serene pine laden forest with gorgeous mountain views at 6000+ feet. Do not do this hike in the winter unless you are a mountaineer with alpine meadows ice/snow travel experience. Baldy Summit. Parking is on the west side of the divided road a 1/2 mile below the Baldy Ski Lifts. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. From Baldy Notch, the fireroad climbs steeply to the second ski lift, marking the start of the Devils Backbone Trail. 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. This can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Baldy Village for $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. 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. 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. Baldy. Sierra Club Ski Hut Trek Highlights. San Antonio Devil's Backbone Ridge - Camino of Death Image Gallery - 2 Images. GEAR CHECKLIST: 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. Exit Baseline Road, Claremont from the 210 FWY only. My legs were weathering the hike fairly well, it was my feet that were taking the pounding and definitely felt every mile we have done to this point. 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). : From there, you walk down the rest of the ridge and meet the normal Devils Backbone Trail on your left, continuing to traverse Mt. The hike is a strenuous one in which there is an approximate 3,900 feet of vertical gain to reach the top. A short side trip to San Antonio Falls is worth the minimal effort. 4.5 miles: You have reached 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. Baldy via Devil's Backbone and it was an amazing experience! ), 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. 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! 7.5 miles: Baldy Notch is at the top of the ski lift. Fun local Hike in the North County! It begins at Baldy Notch and ends at Mt. For those who havent crossed the backbone, the views are superb! Harwood (0.2 miles further). 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. Harwood on your way to Mt. Either route there is no gas station once you exit the freeway. University of Missouri-St. Louis Libraries. Sometimes, you slide your body on the edge of a rock hanging over the swallowing precipice. Thanks for adding this good information. This is Baldy Notch. You will see the top of Mt Baldy directly front of you. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! NOTE: Well be driving from Subway to the hike Manker Flats trail head. RECOMMENDED: Have a breakfast before meeting time. Above the Ski Hut, the trail hits a rocky patch. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. 32. 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. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. 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. Jacket (Must be familiarthe layering system) 2.2 miles: Reconnect to the path to Baldy. The trail starts near two porta-potties at a dirt road junction at Manker Flat. 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. Harwood. Baldy. At this point one other hiker was at the top and we asked him to take our picture. Multiple fatalities here- people losing footing and sliding down several hundred feet bouncing offf rocks and trees. 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. Mt. . Woodson, itself just over 2000 feet in elevation. Food and Water: Each of us brought 150 ounces of water, a bottle of Gatorade, lunch, energy snacks, 2 oranges. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Harwood. 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. Another perk of climbing to the summit of Baldy, is the camaraderie you enjoy with total strangers who share only one thing in common to this point, hiking to the summit of Mt. Harwood, to the summit. 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). Baldy Road and drive for 11.5 miles past Mt. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. Upon gaining the ridgeline, there is a mile-long final push to the top of the summit. Baldy is one of the most prominent mountains with some amazing 360 degree views over Southern California. We recommend purchasing an annual pass ($30) and a second vehicle pass for an additional $5, which totals $35 for two annual passes. Baldy, across neighboring Mt. Just stay on the access road until you reach a four-way junction; then look up the road to the left and you'll see the ski lodge.