Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. From the Notch, you can cheat and take the ski lift down. Riding the Sugar Pine Chair Lift up 1,500 at a cost of $25. Make a left at Falls Road. This is intended for hikers who havehiked with us on a Level 7 hike or higher . From the top of the ski lift, follow the fire road up the ridge. Occasionally, you have to climb up big boulders with no margin of errors. I was amazing, and we did get tips from pro hikers. Oddly, my son seemed to suffer none of the same effects! 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. How far is the devils backbone trail from manker flat and whats the elevation gain, Hi everyone, I wanted to share my more extensive experience hiking the Baldy Notch -> Devils slide as an out-and-back, including what I learned, what I wish I knew before, and how to prepare for the best experience on the mountain Check it out, here: https://metropolitanmolly.com/2021/06/14/hiking-mount-baldy-how-to-successfully-conquer-the-tallest-mountain-in-the-angeles-national-forest-summer-edition/, Your email address will not be published. Find homes for sale, market statistics, foreclosures, property taxes, real estate news, agent reviews, condos, neighborhoods on Blockshopper.com Manchester Preserve an Island of Natural Beauty, Health Benefits of Hiking ! 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: Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Baldy Village, which s downhill from the campground. Windbreaker MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? San Antonio greet us. The trail begins on a fire road. Please try to have this prior to the day of the hike. [] 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 Baseline Road. These are horseshoe-shaped piles of stone that are just high enough (2-3 feet) to protect campers from the wind. Distance: 6.6 miles (out and back) Comfortable waterproofhiking boots with good grip. The trail continues its 2.7-mile ascent up to Baldy Notch. The Notch also has 600 zip lines that are 70 above the ground. Approx. An Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle parked along the roadside. Your email address will not be published. Baldy in the Summer Part 4 Down - Jay Sean. Hiking Mt. Lol I thought I was going to do a loop like Claremont.. but I was very wrong. Baldy Ski Lifts to Baldy Notch eliminates a 2.3 mile one-way (1,500 gain) from the ski lift parking lot. All Rights Reserved. Mt Baldy Trail: My neighbor, Jose, standing on a large rock outcrop near the end of the Devil's Backbone section of the trail. In season, there may be many cars parked here, but there is ample parking space. Sam, the 74 year old, was also very impressed with our hiking sticks, two pine poles that my Son had carved from a past Christmas tree as well as a Torrey Pine branch he had found! ), 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. However, the fear turns to exhilaration mixed with vast shots of adrenaline, not too mention for me a spiritual awakening! 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. Hand Warmers (Optional) The elevation gain is the same as the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail and the distance is probably about the same. The trail is made up of compact gravel and is very wide. Start: Begin at Falls Road and head past the gate. From here, you can enjoy views of the other high peaks of the back range of the San Gabriel Mountains. It was very hard for us because we do not go prepared at all! 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! This is Baldy Notch. San Diego, CA. The Scariest Section Of Devil's Backbone Trail (Mt. In 7.2 miles, go past Mt. But I must say, even though the hike to the top was very difficult. This hike was on my must conquer list for a while! 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. As far as creature comforts at Manker Flats, there are flush toilets, running water, no showers. 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. Just wondering if there was any snow?? Baldy. Baldy Road. Do not do this hike in the winter unless you are a mountaineer with alpine meadows ice/snow travel experience. (2). It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. Approx 14 Miles. Just did this hike yesterday. At the summit are several crude rock windbreaks. Gold-seekers originally established the trail to the summit in San Gabriel Canyon. #1We are going to the summit of Mt. Turn right to stay on Mt. Hike-ability level:Difficultbut doable! 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Or climb Mt. It could get very cold (winds) and the next minute get hot so be prepared!!! : 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? My 666th review fittingly goes to. More. Turn right onto Mt. Almost There Stopping To Enjoy Alternate Routes San Antonio. On the access road from Manker Flat (Falls Road), the route is gentle and unambiguious. After crossing the spring, a spur trail leads to the Ski Hut by the base of the Baldy Bowl. Uphills with quickgain, NoBeginners, Intermediate Hikers, No Kids, No Dogs), WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL? . 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. Follow the Devil's Backbone Trail. San Antonio trail is considered the mother of all hikes and one that is a must on the bucket list of hiking trails! In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1a4b715ba3ed8c654c79b92916eaa98a. 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! The Devils Backbone trail can be dangerous in winter months. Dynamite work ethic however with a warm customer service specialty! 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! Occasionally, there is live music at the Notch, such as Elevated Solstices reggae and roots rock lineup. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike youre not ready for. Wish we had stuff like this in Minnesota! Baldy! and #2, We are crossing the Devils Backbone to get there!. For me just seeing the splendor of the surrounding mountains, including in the distance, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto both higher than Mt. San Antonio, Its A Volcano! After doing this hike I now know why people climb mountains, the sense of accomplishment is beyond words! HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed a LATH hike Level 7+ and up with no problem. There are steep slopes on both sides of the trail. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. It then ascends over a dozen little switchbacks at the western edge of the Baldy Bowl. And/or the 10 FWY. Harwood via Ski Hut Trail, May 30, 2015. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. 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. Baldy summit. Otherwise, the way back is a wide and level fire road back to the trailhead. Upland CA 91786, REQUIRED: Scenic chair lift tickets $15.00 if purchase online & $20.00 there. The As we hiked along he told us of hikers who take this route in the winter months, hiking through the snow. We even saw the ridge line of the Devils Backbone, which leads to the Baldy summit. We decided to ascend on the ski hut trail and come down on the devil's backbone so we can enjoy a loop. 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 It is the most dangerous zone on Mt. All Rights Reserved. As there are a few routes to take, we choose the Ski Hut trail back down. My choice, as I wanted to experience one more time the thrill of completing the true Devils Backbone Ridge). 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. San Gabriel Mountains. The views are unreal! Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. -Mike. 1.0 mile: At the junction, turn left up the steep Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl trail). --Douglas Adams, Images Even before making the trek across the backbone, its fear factor kicks in big time! This man is totally amazing, never mind for a 74 year old, but for anyone who takes on Mt. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience. 2.2 miles: Reconnect to the path to Baldy. At 10,064 feet above sea level, the snow often sticks around well into June. Food and Water: Each of us brought 150 ounces of water, a bottle of Gatorade, lunch, energy snacks, 2 oranges. The East face of Mt. San Antonio! Ohhh Mt. 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. An Adventure Pass parking permit. LATH HIKE LEADS: Carol Martinez & Janiece Cordova, MEETING TIME: 5:00am 5:15am Please be on time. Both the Devil's Backbone and Baldy Bowl trails end relatively in the same location, so a loop is possible. The Baldy Bowl appears on the left and the trail to the summit with patches of leftover snow straight ahead. After spotting Mt. 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. Im imagining its like a regular ski lift that comes up behind you and you sit on it. This a broad area is just after the Manker Flat Campground. Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. 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. 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. On a hot day this road can be quite hot and exposed so bring sunscreen! There was only one other hiker on the trail and she strode past us pretty quickly. Baldy Road. Although very steep, the Ski Hut trail offers very scenic views as you hike through a forest of pines. Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass? Perhaps 15 people can sleep here. 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. However they give very complicated directions and we dont recommend that you use them. Whitney. Why not combine some of the routes into a big loop? At the peak, there are some windbreaks next to the famous metal summit plaque. Harwood, to the summit. Was extremely windy yesterday, but . Each of the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain. 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. The hike to the summit of Mt. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. 40 Likes, TikTok video from kepurba (@kepurba): "Part 4: Hiking Mt. In 1.8 miles, turn right onto Mt. Hello there Will. The Devil's Backbone is the sharp ridge extending due east from the summit of Mt. 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. It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. At one point the trail branches off and down into a valley. 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. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. The camaraderie of joining a select few who have hiked to the summit of Mt. (76), Climber's Log Entries Baldy Village. Poway, CA, Hike it! Harwood. Enjoy your outing! On the day we hiked, the daytime temp was low 80s, although the 14 mph winds kept it very comfortable. Microspikesor IceTrekkers, shoe chain traction (Highly recommended) Mt Baldy and Devils Backbone Trail Report May 31st, 2020, return via Sierra Ski Hut Trail. San Antonio as a loop route with some friends. Whitney or Half Dome. 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. 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. I am not sure about the chairlift regulations. Exit Baseline Road, Claremont from the 210 FWY only. He was very much intrigued with my son Sam, interestingly same name, his life and his motivation to climb Mt. The one-way cost may be the same as round trip. After a few hundreds yard, the trail will cross the left slope of the ridge and arrive on the south slope of Mt. HIKE REQUIREMENTS: Must have completed another LATH Level 7, 8, 9 hike prior to this hike. Devil's Backbone Trail Area Status: Closed The Devil's Backbone Trail is currently CLOSED until further notice. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. This is the time well be getting together at the meeting location. Baldy. San Antonio was right across the street. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is a great spot for refueling. Make sure you pack an extra water or tablets of electrolytes. Be prepared for the cold, snow, ice and with proper sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.). There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. Needless to say we were glad we came across our friend. 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 Baldy Bowl Ski Hut Trail is definitely a more strenuous uphill workout than Devil's Backbone, so choose this route if you're looking for a good leg workout! Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for . (10,064) elevation. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. Harwood. 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. Harwood, continuing toward a saddle between Mt Baldy and Mt Harwood. You will see the top of Mt Baldy directly front of you. It was our first time on a real hike. 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. Bone-in Wings. Its a good idea to print out a map of the loop to give you an idea of the trail. Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Snowshoes, crampons and ice axe may be needed in wintertime depending on snowpack. Objective: Summit Mt. Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. 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! Sometimes, you slide your body on the edge of a rock hanging over the swallowing precipice. Baldy, claiming many lives during winter. 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. The higher altitude and easy access makes it a popular training hike for Whitney (or in my case, the John Muir Trail). 2. Fee/Book a Session Coaching Sessions: Telehealth, Park, or Trail Hikes 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. 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. As we hiked the trail we came across the hiker who had taken a picture of my son and I on the summit. This hike represented for me the epitome of what a hike can provide as far as the mental and physical challenges and benefits. 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. GEAR REQUIREMENTS: WATER (at least 3 liters). 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. 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. San Antonio and back! Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail as an out and back. 1.7 miles: Take the northern trail along the ridge to Mt. Arriving mid-afternoon at the Manker Flats Campground,which was to be our home for the next two nights, we set up camp. She says she was late to join up with a group of friends at the start of the hike. HIKE LEAD: TBA. We went through the Devils Backbone and the pictures that are shown online is not the scary part! Baldy) 43,120 views Oct 11, 2015 138 Dislike Share Prouisorsapientiae 6.65K subscribers This section of Devil's Backbone Trail is. WATER REQUIRED. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Heres how to incorporate the outdoors, walking and other exercise into therapy in a way thats good for clients and for you. Baldy, the highest point in Los Angeles County. All of a sudden, you can see Baldy Notch. Devil's Backbone! 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. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! 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. Pretty much snow all the way up beyond the ski-hut, recommend crampons/microspikes and an early start when the pack is somewhat firm. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is in a perfect place to rest and refuel. Baldy (via Devil's Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. The last stretch is a steep loose rock. You can reach Baldy Notch by: Baldy Notch: Follow the fire road up to the beginning of the Devils Backbone Trail.