4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. These are horseshoe-shaped piles of stone that are just high enough (2-3 feet) to protect campers from the wind. 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. As mentioned earlier, the trail-head start was right across from the campground on Mt. Baldy Road. San Antonio, is reason enough to take in the view! Jacket (Must be familiarthe layering system) It begins at Baldy Notch and ends at Mt. [] 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 []. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. Our return route will take us down the steep Baldy Bowl trail, passing the Sierra Club Ski Hut and San Antonio Falls on the way back to Manker Flats. This trail is for hiking. Harwood (0.2 miles further). Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. 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. Follow the Devils Backbone Trail. If the lift is running this will knock off almost 4 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. It is quite an experience, even a spiritual one, to be on the summit of this magnificent mountain. (37), Comments Shasta), with steep slopes running down on both sides. DOG FRIENDLY? 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. Not my choice, as I was lost in a whiteout) and summertime (May 22, 2020. My choice, as I wanted to experience one more time the thrill of completing the true Devils Backbone Ridge). This is the time well be getting together at the meeting location. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for your vehicle while parked the the trailhead. HIKE DATE: Saturday, September 21, 2019 LATH HIKE LEADS: Carol Martinez & Janiece Cordova MEETING TIME: 5:00am - 5:15am Please be on time. This is intended for hikers who havehiked with us on a Level 7 hike or higher . Find Baldy's BBQ and Catering with our calendar. That snow covered area in the distance is Mt Baldy's lower, Western Summit. Lol I thought I was going to do a loop like Claremont.. but I was very wrong. San Antonio. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. 3.3 miles: Turn around when reaching West Baldy. The trail starts near two porta-potties at a dirt road junction at Manker Flat. Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Continue 2.8 miles on Mt. Turn left on Baseline Road. What is Hiker Therapy and how did it evolve? Exit Baseline Road, Claremont from the 210 FWY only. The elevation gain is the same as the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail and the distance is probably about the same. --Douglas Adams, Images Riding the Sugar Pine Chair Lift up 1,500 at a cost of $25. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. 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. 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. Is this trail good for dogs? Baldy! and #2, We are crossing the Devils Backbone to get there!. Good description of hiking Mt Baldy via the Devils Backbone Trail. Mountain Ave. will turn into Mt Baldy Road and dead end into the Ski Area Parking lot. You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Harwood. : HikerTherapy | "Elevate Your Mind, Body and Soul" 760-215-2112hikrtherapy@gmail.com 0 Items Welcome Mark Lees, M.A., CADC- CAS What is Hiker Therapy and how did it evolve? 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. 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. The feeling of accomplishment is like none other! The 210 FWY brings you closer to the Mountain and less city driving. Bone-in Wings. 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. 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. 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. Baldy is its first peak. Its a good idea to print out a map of the loop to give you an idea of the 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? Snowshoes, crampons and ice axe may be needed in wintertime depending on snowpack. Baldy Road come into view, a reassuring sign to our tired feet and bodies that we were almost home! HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed a LATH hike Level 7+ and up with no problem. As we approached the San Gabriel Mountains we saw off in the distance the ominous silhouette of Mt. Gaiters (optional) Hiking an additional 2.3 miles from the parking lot at the base of the ski lift. This trail boasts s As an update to the previous information: The Mount Baldy Ski Lift runs 7 days a week and tickets may be booked in advance. Return Approx: 4:00pm, HIKE LEVEL:Level9(**Experienced Hikers only** Highly Strenuous. 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. Mount San Antonio is known as Baldy because there are no trees on the bare southern face of the mountain. 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. . The Notch also has 600 zip lines that are 70 above the ground. I must say not bad for first timers. As we hiked along he told us of hikers who take this route in the winter months, hiking through the snow. Hes 74 and does this twice a week, I say hes the motivation! 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. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. 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. Our first night we had diner at the Mt. We went in regular gym clothes, not knowing that we were in for a surprise. Multiple fatalities here- people losing footing and sliding down several hundred feet bouncing offf rocks and trees. All Rights Reserved. Make a right on Padua Avenue and continue for 1.8 miles. Difficulty: Strenuous. An Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle parked along the roadside. My son and I both commented how this part of the adventure had been the toughest which I attribute to the fact that we had been hiking for nearly 9 miles, with a little more than two to go. (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. 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. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? For me just seeing the splendor of the surrounding mountains, including in the distance, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto both higher than Mt. The Devil's Backbone is the sharp ridge extending due east from the summit of Mt. HIKE WALKTHROUGH: This is a popular route because it can take advantage of riding the ski lift. Take some enough snacks & a lunch (trail mix, nuts, granola bars, fruit, etc.) After a good nights sleep we set out at 7:30am. 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. Over half of this trail is partially or fully-exposed to the sun. And/or the 10 FWY. Park at Manker Flat. And, reflection of sun from snow can cause sunburn as well. Distance: 11 miles (clockwise loop) mdostby. At the summit are several crude rock windbreaks. Dogs are allowed on most trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, but that doesnt mean that this hike is suitable for most dogs. It Come with free parking for lift tickets customers. Thank you. 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. Hike-ability level:Difficultbut doable! Devil's Backbone Trail offers spectacular views from an impressive ridge-top trail. It then ascends over a dozen little switchbacks at the western edge of the Baldy Bowl. Water. : 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. 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. Occasionally, there is live music at the Notch, such as Elevated Solstices reggae and roots rock lineup. Baldy In the Summer Part 4 | Down the Devil's Backbone | to the Top of the Notch | .Hiking Mt. Baldy Photo Presentations: Hike 6-12-04 28 photos with captions. Baldy, the highest point in Los Angeles County. This is a good training for anyone preparing for more advanced hikes such as Mt. LATH HIKE LEADS: Carol Martinez & Janiece Cordova, MEETING TIME: 5:00am 5:15am Please be on time. What were the tips from pro hikers? 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. The views are spectacular, the hiking is strenuous! Difficulty: Strenuous. Riding the Mt. Enjoy your outing! Baldy Road. Turn East (right) onto Mt Baldy Rd. Just wondering if there was any snow?? Turn left on Baseline Road. Speaking of right now, the hour of reckoning was here, the anticipated Devils Backbone part of the hike was upon us. MEETING TIME: 7:00am -7:20am (Please be there on time). 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. 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. It could get very cold (winds) and the next minute get hot so be prepared!!! Mt Baldy Trail: My neighbor, Jose, standing on a large rock outcrop near the end of the Devil's Backbone section of the trail. This hike is all about the psychological. Food and Water: Each of us brought 150 ounces of water, a bottle of Gatorade, lunch, energy snacks, 2 oranges. We went through the Devils Backbone and the pictures that are shown online is not the scary part! From here, you can enjoy views of the other high peaks of the back range of the San Gabriel Mountains. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. It follows the access road for about 2 miles to the group of buildings at the top of the first ski lift. 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. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. : Sky Haven West Trailhead: Hiker Therapy 07/15/17, Fireworks Hike! Walk past the locked gate of Falls Road and follow the dirt road for almost 2 miles to the ski lodge. More. 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. Not only was this a great place to camp but also the trail-head start to Mt. Start: Begin at Falls Road and head past the gate. A hike to Mt. (You Dont need Forest Recreation Pass)www.mtbaldy.com. Apparently an 11.2-mile hike is not enough for his 22-year-old body! 1. Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for . Soon we heard the rushing water of San Antonio Falls, a yearly flowing waterfall. It was our first time on a real hike. When on Baseline go west, to Monte Vista/Padua Ave. There was only one other hiker on the trail and she strode past us pretty quickly. The trail continues its 2.7-mile ascent up to Baldy Notch. When the path levels off, the Devils Backbone Trail becomes a narrow ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side. 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. (76), Climber's Log Entries Upland CA 91786, REQUIRED: Scenic chair lift tickets $15.00 if purchase online & $20.00 there. Read the Hikes Details we link at the very top of this page. 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. It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. Was extremely windy yesterday, but . @ 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. We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike youre not ready for. 11. MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? (When this trail is covered in ice and snow, you need crampons and an ice axe.). 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 (via Devil's Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. View Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone Image Gallery - 76 Images. His name was Sam. Baldy. Baldy Village. 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. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. From the Notch, you can cheat and take the ski lift down. GEAR REQUIREMENTS: WATER (at least 3 liters). Bringing tasty BBQ to the southern Illinois region Harwood. The Devil's 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. If you wish to look us up on map quest you can use 6700 Mt Baldy Road CA 91759. A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. NOTE: Well be driving from Subway to the hike Manker Flats trail head. 0.46 miles: At the junction sign Round Valley 2 , turn right and hike along Long Valley Creek. DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. 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. After spotting Mt. Double Peak Mountain, San Marcos , CA 07/04/2017 : Hiker Therapy, Beach Hike! He was very much intrigued with my son Sam, interestingly same name, his life and his motivation to climb 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. San Antonio. As far as creature comforts at Manker Flats, there are flush toilets, running water, no showers. I'm sure it will be usefull. Dont let it intimidate you. HIKE LEVEL: Level 9. "I love deadlines. The campground is set in a very peaceful, serene pine laden forest with gorgeous mountain views at 6000+ feet. 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). ( University of Missouri Libraries ) Services . Baldy in the Summer Part 4 Down - Jay Sean. 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. Baldy, across neighboring Mt. After crossing the spring, a spur trail leads to the Ski Hut by the base of the Baldy Bowl. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California a 74 year old Korean man who makes the trek to the summit of Baldy two times per week. Follow the Devil's Backbone Trail. Wish we had stuff like this in Minnesota! stopping along the way to take it all in, not to mention to rest. 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. Harwood, to the summit. Baldy) 43,120 views Oct 11, 2015 138 Dislike Share Prouisorsapientiae 6.65K subscribers This section of Devil's Backbone Trail is. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Take the Mountain Ave. / Mount Baldy exit from either freeway, which is located in the city of Upland and head north towards the mountains. 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. RECOMMENDED: Have a breakfast before meeting time. Contact the ski resort directly for more information and booking. 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. Wear sunscreen, comfortable warm clothes and shoes. The photo is taken pointing towards West Baldy. Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass? Baldy is its first peak. Once you reach the top of the 2nd ski lift, the trail gets more interesting. 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. 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 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. 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. Start: Devils Backbone Trail connects Baldy Notch with the peak, and is 2.8 miles long with 2,269 of elevation gain. 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. In reality, it is probably better to do this hike without your dog. I hiked Mt. Baldy: 1 - The Devil's Backbone trail approaches the summit from the east. Hand Warmers (Optional) Parking is on the west side of the divided road a 1/2 mile below the Baldy Ski Lifts. On the day we hiked, the daytime temp was low 80s, although the 14 mph winds kept it very comfortable. The Soon we were hearing the roar of San Antonio Falls, the same falls we had first encountered on our ascent. : No. Baldy. Much like life this trail has lots of ups and downs and is done one step at the time. 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: The narrow trail climbs north straight up the side of San Antonio Canyon. In season, there may be many cars parked here, but there is ample parking space. 2.2 miles: Reconnect to the path to Baldy. Although very steep, the Ski Hut trail offers very scenic views as you hike through a forest of pines. On the access road from Manker Flat (Falls Road), the route is gentle and unambiguious. There is no source of water after you pass the Notch Restaurant and the ridge is almost always windy and exposed to sun. PARKING PERMIT (REQUIRED): Adventure Pass: $5 Day, or $30 annual. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. DISTANCE: 6 - 9 Miles (Round trip). 13 miles round trip. Even before making the trek across the backbone, its fear factor kicks in big time! From the top of the ski lift, follow the fire road up the ridge. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. 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. 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 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. Cheddar Poppers. for about 7 miles to the Village and another 3 miles up to the Ski lifts. Once you reach the lodge, there appear to be several possible routes to the west. Arriving mid-afternoon at the Manker Flats Campground,which was to be our home for the next two nights, we set up camp. We continued our winding descent through this beautiful mountain scenery. For the easiest route, follow the access road leading toward the top of the left-side ski lifts. Baldy via the Devils Backbone as an out and back, with or without the ski lift. 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. 32. Harwoods ridgeline trail, follow it to the Harwoods peak while it parallels the Backbone below, or you can always scramble up the scree. Gators and eye protection (sunglasses). Poway, CA, Hike it! 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. Harwood, continuing toward a saddle between Mt Baldy and Mt Harwood. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. This is the third of six southern California summits in what is called the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. 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. Wool (Hiking) Socks. At the final push up the mountain three hikers who were just starting the descent from the summit of Mt. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level. After doing this hike I now know why people climb mountains, the sense of accomplishment is beyond words! Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. From Baldy Notch, the fireroad climbs steeply to the second ski lift, marking the start of the Devils Backbone Trail. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Perhaps 15 people can sleep here. Baldy. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. The higher altitude and easy access makes it a popular training hike for Whitney (or in my case, the John Muir Trail). A short side trip to San Antonio Falls is worth the minimal effort. 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. Please note, that we have high, experienced expectations for Level 9hikers. The trail begins on a fire road. University of Missouri-St. Louis Libraries. This is Baldy Notch. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is a great spot for refueling. Almost There Stopping To Enjoy Alternate Routes Harwood on your way to Mt. The Devils Backbone keeps ascending until it levels off next to Mt. Be prepared if this is your plan. 0.5 miles: At the waterfall lookout, the Baldy fire road begins. At the peak, there are some windbreaks next to the famous metal summit plaque. At this point one other hiker was at the top and we asked him to take our picture. Baldy. For those who havent crossed the backbone, the views are superb! San Antonio and back! Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead.