There was only one other hiker on the trail and she strode past us pretty quickly. 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. 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. 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 The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. Its a good idea to print out a map of the loop to give you an idea of the trail. The Baldy Bowl appears on the left and the trail to the summit with patches of leftover snow straight ahead. Turn left on Baseline Road. San Antonio as a loop route with some friends. After spotting Mt. 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. Was extremely windy yesterday, but . Mt. Baldy - Devil's Backbone Trail Hiking the Devil's Backbone, Mt. Baldy - Ramble State Scarf or Facemask Do share! It is the most dangerous zone on Mt. The higher altitude and easy access makes it a popular training hike for Whitney (or in my case, the John Muir Trail). By now the legs and lungs have grown accustomed to the steady ascent and hanging in there very well. Navigate; Linked Data; Dashboard; Tools / Extras 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. 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. four fried poppers, mildly spicy jalapeno halves filled with cheddar cheese Even though the view was incredible it was windy and frightening. DOG FRIENDLY? You are fully responsible for yourself. Baldy via Devil's Backbone and it was an amazing experience! Aurelia Squire Harwood was a conservationist, educator, and first female President of the Sierra Club. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. 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. From there, you walk down the rest of the ridge and meet the normal Devils Backbone Trail on your left, continuing to traverse Mt. Incorporating the Ski Hut Trail into a loop would shave off about 2.5 miles. Baldy Summit. 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. This is the third of six southern California summits in what is called the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. 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). 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. San Diego, CA. In 1.8 miles, turn right onto Mt. Harwood can be seen in the background. 76. 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. 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.. Harwoods ridgeline trail, follow it to the Harwoods peak while it parallels the Backbone below, or you can always scramble up the scree. We went in regular gym clothes, not knowing that we were in for a surprise. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. Baldy! After a good nights sleep we set out at 7:30am. Via Ski Hut He does the same, and as we do, the emotions of the day take over and I choke up as my son says. (1), Additions & Corrections Mount Baldy Road, Claremont (unincorporated), CA | BlockShopper.com Make sure you stick to the ridgeline trail via the saddle to West Baldy, as the Bear Canyon Trail to Baldy Village loses too much elevation. At one point the trail branches off and down into a valley. Head back to Baldy Notch. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. (Instructions for making a reservation when the Ski Hut is open, can be found here.). 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. (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. There are steep slopes on both sides of the trail. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. 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. Baldy is the highest peak in San Gabriel Mountains and the highest point in Los Angeles County. MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? 0.5 miles: At the waterfall lookout, the Baldy fire road begins. for about 7 miles to the Village and another 3 miles up to the Ski lifts. You can do it! Devil's Backbone, Mt. San Antonio (Baldy) Trail, Incredible Experience Many choose to cut uphill in a narrow switchback pattern to ensure their footing. 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. Baldy! and #2, We are crossing the Devils Backbone to get there!. PARKING PERMIT (REQUIRED): Adventure Pass: $5 Day, or $30 annual. Antonio (Mt. For the easiest route, follow the access road leading toward the top of the left-side ski lifts. six smoked, skin-on 1st and 2nd joint wings with choice of bar-b-q sauce. It could get very cold (winds) and the next minute get hot so be prepared!!! MT BALDY RESORT - 608 Photos & 463 Reviews - Yelp 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. At the peak, there are some windbreaks next to the famous metal summit plaque. 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. Oddly, my son seemed to suffer none of the same effects! We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike youre not ready for. Mount Baldy Loop | Los Angeles | Hikespeak.com At the summit are several crude rock windbreaks. If the lift is running this will knock off almost 4 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Walk past the locked gate of Falls Road and follow the dirt road for almost 2 miles to the ski lodge. 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. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. Windbreaker 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. Fun local Hike in the North County! Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes or Snow Shoesgood grip (Required) 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Baldy. This is intended for hikers who havehiked with us on a Level 7 hike or higher . And/or the 10 FWY. 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! Hiking an additional 2.3 miles from the parking lot at the base of the ski lift. 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. At this point one other hiker was at the top and we asked him to take our picture. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! Baldy. I must say not bad for first timers. An Adventure Pass parking permit. I have done it both in wintertime (December 25, 2019. Mt. Baldy - Devil's Backbone ORIG - LA Trail Hikers Find Baldy's BBQ and Catering with our calendar. Baldy, claiming many lives during winter. 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. 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! I was amazing, and we did get tips from pro hikers. Harwood, continuing toward a saddle between Mt Baldy and Mt Harwood. You can take the Old Baldy Trail, the Ski Hut Trail, or the Devils Backbone. Why not combine some of the routes into a big loop? Hes 74 and does this twice a week, I say hes the motivation! Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. San Antonio trail is considered the mother of all hikes and one that is a must on the bucket list of hiking trails! Continue to the saddle and then on the ridge or slightly to the north side, to the top of MT Baldy. The 210 FWY brings you closer to the Mountain and less city driving. The Laguna Mountains: BIg Laguna Loop Hike via the Sunset, BIg Laguna and Pacific Crest Trails: 07/04/2015New Research Suggests Nature Walks are Good for Your Brain. 1.0 mile: At the junction, turn left up the steep Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl trail). We then follow the ski run next to the ski lift and then hike the Devils Backbone to the summit. A hike to Mt. However, be wary that trails are hard to follow on the stone surface, and taking the wrong one may necessitate steep backtracking. Im imagining its like a regular ski lift that comes up behind you and you sit on it. These are horseshoe-shaped piles of stone that are just high enough (2-3 feet) to protect campers from the wind. This trail boasts s At the end of Falls Road, the path makes a big U-turn at San Antonio Falls. Hikers can actually stay at the Ski Hut which is operated by the Sierra Club. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? 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). Our first night we had diner at the Mt. Hiking is like mindfulness which teaches us to experience that which we are doing right now! 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. 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. The Devils Backbone trail can be dangerous in winter months. As you approach the devils Backbone portion of the trail you immediately get a sense of just how much the elevation gain takes its toll on your breathing, after all you are at nearly 9000 feet in elevation, your breaths get shorter and quicker! 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. Occasionally, there is live music at the Notch, such as Elevated Solstices reggae and roots rock lineup. Food and Water: Each of us brought 150 ounces of water, a bottle of Gatorade, lunch, energy snacks, 2 oranges. Mt. San Antonio (Mt Baldy) Loop - CohaiTungChi Tech 2.8 miles: The trail reaches the summit. Baldy Photo Presentations: Hike 6-12-04 28 photos with captions. The gentler access road is to the left of this trail, and it snakes up the ridge rather than going straight up. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. Baldy) 43,120 views Oct 11, 2015 138 Dislike Share Prouisorsapientiae 6.65K subscribers This section of Devil's Backbone Trail is. The East face of Mt. There is a white gate and blue porta-potty to landmark the start. Harwood via Ski Hut Trail, May 30, 2015. Or climb Mt. Baldy Village. 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. Almost There Stopping To Enjoy Alternate Routes Both the Devil's Backbone and Baldy Bowl trails end relatively in the same location, so a loop is possible. 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. "I love deadlines. I added the Register Ridge Variation to the Baldy Notch Route page. 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. The Devils Backbone connects Mt. The hike to the summit of Mt. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level. Thank you. San Antonio Devil's Backbone Ridge - Camino of Death, Images Turn left on Baseline Road. Objective: Summit Mt. Elevation Gain: 3,800 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! Wish we had stuff like this in Minnesota! When reaching the summit we will take a longer break depending on the temperature and wind. A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. Harwood (0.2 miles further). Dogs are allowed on most trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, but that doesnt mean that this hike is suitable for most dogs. Rated 5 / 5.