Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. Aurelia Squire Harwood was a conservationist, educator, and first female President of the Sierra Club. Wool (Hiking) Socks. Many people opt to park at the ski area parking and take the first ski lift up to Baldy Notch. Although dogs may be allowed in the area, we request no pets join us for this higher level hike. As mentioned earlier, the trail-head start was right across from the campground on Mt. San Antonio as a loop route with some friends. There are a number of ways to approach Mount Baldy. Whitney. Baldy, the highest point in Los Angeles County. Occasionally, there is live music at the Notch, such as Elevated Solstices reggae and roots rock lineup. This is a higher level hike and should not be taken lightly. (You Dont need Forest Recreation Pass)www.mtbaldy.com. As we approached the San Gabriel Mountains we saw off in the distance the ominous silhouette of Mt. Baldy Village. Food and Water: Each of us brought 150 ounces of water, a bottle of Gatorade, lunch, energy snacks, 2 oranges. This man had more energy than the rest of us combined. . Hike-ability level:Difficultbut doable! 1.0 mile: At the junction, turn left up the steep Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl trail). Make a right on Padua Avenue and continue for 1.8 miles. 1.7 miles: Take the northern trail along the ridge to Mt. Baldy (via Devil's Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. Multiple fatalities here- people losing footing and sliding down several hundred feet bouncing offf rocks and trees. HIKE WALKTHROUGH: This is a popular route because it can take advantage of riding the ski lift. MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? It was very hard for us because we do not go prepared at all! Baldy, so named due to its spareness on top, quite an impressive sight, since we were still miles away. Wear sunscreen, comfortable warm clothes and shoes. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. San Antonio. 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. And, reflection of sun from snow can cause sunburn as well. 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. 2.6 miles: After the Ski Hut, the trail reaches the ridge and ascends to the summit. Elevation Gain: 2,369 This trail boasts s 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: Sometimes, you slide your body on the edge of a rock hanging over the swallowing precipice. Once you reach the lodge, there appear to be several possible routes to the west. Baldy In the Summer Part 4 | Down the Devil's Backbone | to the Top of the Notch | .Hiking Mt. Return Approx: 4:00pm, HIKE LEVEL:Level9(**Experienced Hikers only** Highly Strenuous. All of a sudden, you can see Baldy Notch. 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). My 666th review fittingly goes to. : No. As you descend to the east, the route splinters into several steep use trails. In 7.2 miles, go past Mt. The Devils Backbone Trail is about 6.5 miles each way. This is Baldy Notch. HIKE NAME: Mt. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. Coaching Sessions: Telehealth, Park, or Trail, POPS TAKE US TO THE TOP An Amazing Father and Son Adventure Coated in Love, Mental Health, Crisis (including hotlines), and Recovery Resources, How Hiking Supports Mental, Physical, and Recovery Health: Articles and Resources, numerous trails to the top of Mt. 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. The Scariest Section Of Devil's Backbone Trail (Mt. The path dips before rejoining the Backbone for one last climb up the switchbacks to the top of Baldy. Okay, now to clarify the multiple approaches to the peak of Mt. Find homes for sale, market statistics, foreclosures, property taxes, real estate news, agent reviews, condos, neighborhoods on Blockshopper.com The feeling of accomplishment is like none other! 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. As we continue hiking we came across the lady who tore past us earlier sitting on a tree stump, as we engage her in conversation she says she thought she lost us to another route along the trail. We continue on and as we do my son announces his need to climb one of the 40-foot ski lift pylons. There is another similar windbreak in a much more protected location along the trail below the summit. Baldy! Hes 74 and does this twice a week, I say hes the motivation! Your email address will not be published. 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. Whitney or Half Dome. One of these five really made an impression not only on us but everyone else who met him as well. She says she was late to join up with a group of friends at the start of the hike. 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. To hike the loop: Park along Mount Baldy Road just past Manker Flats Campground at the bottom of Falls Road (0 miles) ), 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. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. Hiking Boots/Shoes withgood grip (Required) HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? 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? From there, you walk down the rest of the ridge and meet the normal Devils Backbone Trail on your left, continuing to traverse Mt. We then follow the ski run next to the ski lift and then hike the Devils Backbone to the summit. Difficulty: Strenuous. Take some enough snacks & a lunch (trail mix, nuts, granola bars, fruit, etc.) Turn right on Padua Avenue. 13 miles round trip. San Antonio also offers the chance for the group to consult with one another as to the best route down the mountain. More. San Antonio! For the easiest route, follow the access road leading toward the top of the left-side ski lifts. HIKE DURATION: 9 hrs. Almost There Stopping To Enjoy Alternate Routes Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes or Snow Shoesgood grip (Required) Baldy Road. Bringing tasty BBQ to the southern Illinois region Above the Ski Hut, the trail hits a rocky patch. The views are unreal! You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. Take the Mountain Ave. / Mount Baldy exit from either freeway, which is located in the city of Upland and head north towards the mountains. Make sure you pack an extra water or tablets of electrolytes. As far as creature comforts at Manker Flats, there are flush toilets, running water, no showers. The trailhead is located off of Mount Baldy Road. Hand Warmers (Optional) 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. Devil's Backbone. Is this trail good for dogs? This is the third of six southern California summits in what is called the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. Burger King (Parking Lot) We continued our winding descent through this beautiful mountain scenery. Date & Time: Thursday May 17, 2012 7:30AM to 5:30PM 10 hours. stopping along the way to take it all in, not to mention to rest. Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. The fire road ends at the Devil's Backbone, and it is a trail from there on up to the summit. At this point one other hiker was at the top and we asked him to take our picture. (10,064) elevation. A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. For me just seeing the splendor of the surrounding mountains, including in the distance, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto both higher than Mt. Baldy is its first peak. 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. And/or the 10 FWY. The views are spectacular, the hiking is 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. When on Baseline go west, to Monte Vista/Padua Ave. Drive 2.3 miles to the Mt. At 10,064 feet above sea level, the snow often sticks around well into June. San Antonio and back! : 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. 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. Devil's Backbone is a trail that stretches along the ridge of the mountain east of the Mt. The Trail is Open and its a heck of a climb!Saw a Bobcat on the way up too! View Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone Image Gallery - 76 Images. This hike is all about the psychological. 1. I have done it both in wintertime (December 25, 2019. Baldy Road. Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead. Baldy. 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. @ Mt. Via Ski Hut Harwood, continuing toward a saddle between Mt Baldy and Mt Harwood. Upland CA 91786, REQUIRED: Scenic chair lift tickets $15.00 if purchase online & $20.00 there. Baldy) via the Devil's Backbone is classic for hikers on the San Gabriel Mountains where Mt. Harwood. Not my choice, as I was lost in a whiteout) and summertime (May 22, 2020. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. The Devil's Backbone is the sharp ridge extending due east from the summit of Mt. Otherwise, the way back is a wide and level fire road back to the trailhead. 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. Baldy summit. This is a strenuous varation to climb Baldy, it has some nice views on both sides of the ridge and if you want some solitude from the weekend crowds, this is a good option. Harwood. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." 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. Occasionally, you have to climb up big boulders with no margin of errors. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience. 910 N. Mountain Ave http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/, HIKE RSVP: Mt. After doing this hike I now know why people climb mountains, the sense of accomplishment is beyond words! We did it Dad! We made it! Devil's Backbone Trail is 3.3-miles long with 2,350 feet of elevation gain, and can be reached several ways: From the summit of Mount Baldy after hiking 4.5 miles up Baldy Bowl Trail as part of the 11.3-mile Mount Baldy Loop By riding the Mount Baldy ski lift up 1,500 feet in elevation to Baldy Notch 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. Baldy) via the Devils Backbone is classic for hikers on the San Gabriel Mountains where Mt. Gold-seekers originally established the trail to the summit in San Gabriel Canyon. LATH HIKE LEADS: Carol Martinez & Janiece Cordova, MEETING TIME: 5:00am 5:15am Please be on time. (Instructions for making a reservation when the Ski Hut is open, can be found here.). The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Parking is on the west side of the divided road a 1/2 mile below the Baldy Ski Lifts. You can reach Baldy Notch by: Baldy Notch: Follow the fire road up to the beginning of the Devils Backbone Trail. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1a4b715ba3ed8c654c79b92916eaa98a. A hike to Mt. Navigate; Linked Data; Dashboard; Tools / Extras 1 photo. However they give very complicated directions and we dont recommend that you use them. There is no source of water after you pass the Notch Restaurant and the ridge is almost always windy and exposed to sun. Hardwood, and down past the ski resort to the valley floor. My choice, as I wanted to experience one more time the thrill of completing the true Devils Backbone Ridge). For example, the 40 Likes, TikTok video from kepurba (@kepurba): "Part 4: Hiking Mt. 7.5 miles: Baldy Notch is at the top of the ski lift. There is a white gate and blue porta-potty to landmark the start. Find Baldy's BBQ and Catering with our calendar. 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 crossing the spring, a spur trail leads to the Ski Hut by the base of the Baldy Bowl. 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. Just wondering if there was any snow?? If the lift is running this will knock off almost 4 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The Gators and eye protection (sunglasses). That snow covered area in the distance is Mt Baldy's lower, Western Summit. DOG FRIENDLY? In the summer, the loose and slippery scree is treacherous. 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. Mt. Lol I thought I was going to do a loop like Claremont.. but I was very wrong. On a hot day this road can be quite hot and exposed so bring sunscreen! Riding the Sugar Pine Chair Lift up 1,500 at a cost of $25. 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 Ski Lifts parking lot. 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. Ohhh Mt. We went in regular gym clothes, not knowing that we were in for a surprise. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. Hiking is like mindfulness which teaches us to experience that which we are doing right now! 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! Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail. After a good nights sleep we set out at 7:30am. 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 trail starts near two porta-potties at a dirt road junction at Manker Flat. Upon gaining the ridgeline, there is a mile-long final push to the top of the summit.