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.. A Natural Fit: Therapy and exercise neednt be mutually exclusive. If you drive beyond Manker Flat for about a mile, the road ends at the base of the ski lifts. 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. However, the fear turns to exhilaration mixed with vast shots of adrenaline, not too mention for me a spiritual awakening! Mt Baldy and Devils Backbone Trail Report May 31st, 2020, return via Sierra Ski Hut Trail. My choice, as I wanted to experience one more time the thrill of completing the true Devils Backbone Ridge). Sometimes, you slide your body on the edge of a rock hanging over the swallowing precipice. Whitney. That snow covered area in the distance is Mt Baldy's lower, Western Summit. Harwood can be seen in the background. Baldy. Be prepared for the cold, snow, ice and with proper sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.). 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. I have done it both in wintertime (December 25, 2019. There is another similar windbreak in a much more protected location along the trail below the summit. San Gabriel Mountains. MEETING LOCATION: Burger King (Parking Lot) So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! It was our first time on a real hike. HIKE WALKTHROUGH: This is a popular route because it can take advantage of riding the ski lift. Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. (Instructions for making a reservation when the Ski Hut is open, can be found here.). Please try to have this prior to the day of the hike. He guided us to the proper route along the trail and hiked off ahead of us down the mountain. Objective: Summit Mt. Approx. After a few hundreds yard, the trail will cross the left slope of the ridge and arrive on the south slope of Mt. Devil's Backbone, Mt. Is this trail good for dogs? Not far from Los Angeles, this trail is heavily trafficked. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. Arriving mid-afternoon at the Manker Flats Campground,which was to be our home for the next two nights, we set up camp. Walking out onto this rock will really give you "butterflies" because it's about a 2,000 foot drop to Stockton Flats below - quite a view! DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. Manchester Preserve an Island of Natural Beauty, Health Benefits of Hiking ! One of these five really made an impression not only on us but everyone else who met him as well. This man is totally amazing, never mind for a 74 year old, but for anyone who takes on Mt. 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! Befitting its "Old Baldy" name, the summit is a bare dome covered with rocks and gravel. 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. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. San Antonio as a loop route with some friends. Mt Baldy Trail: My neighbor, Jose, standing on a large rock outcrop near the end of the Devil's Backbone section of the trail. Exercise and Addiction 12 Good Reasons Go To take A Hike! This is Baldy Notch. The Baldy Bowl appears on the left and the trail to the summit with patches of leftover snow straight ahead. As we approached our campground walking back along Mt. San Antonio, Its A Volcano! View Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone Image Gallery - 76 Images. stopping along the way to take it all in, not to mention to rest. We continued our winding descent through this beautiful mountain scenery. We even saw the ridge line of the Devils Backbone, which leads to the Baldy summit. 06/14/2014, Coming Soon: Short and Steep but what a view!Mt Woodson from Hwy 67 Fire Station3/15/14, Hell Hole Canyon, Valley Center, CA: 01/31/2014, A top 5 Hike!Volcan Mountain Wildlife Preserve, Julian California, Hike the HIghest Peak in the City of San Diego: Cowles Mountain, Santa Ysabel Preserve East, Julian, CA: Back Country Hiking Hiker Therapy, Monserate Mountain Preserve Fallbrook, CA Hiker Therapy, Calavera Mountain: Lake Calavera Preserve, Tri-City Area, San Diego North County, Cedar Creek Falls Hike, Julian, CA 03/29/2013 Hiker Therapy, Urban Hike: Seven (7) Bridges San Diego Hiker Therapy, Hybrid Hike: Iron Mountain/Ellie Lane Trail. Mt Baldy - Ski Hut Trail 02/16 : r/socalhiking - reddit After crossing the spring, a spur trail leads to the Ski Hut by the base of the Baldy Bowl. There is no source of water after you pass the Notch Restaurant and the ridge is almost always windy and exposed to sun. Incorporating the Ski Hut Trail into a loop would shave off about 2.5 miles. HIKE DURATION: 9 hrs. Using the Google Earth "Measure" Function and measuring from a topo map the fire road from Manker Flats to Baldy Notch is about 3.25 miles (one-way). The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. If you happen to find it, please email me at dr_feng@yahoo.com. DEVIL'S BACKBONE - 198 Photos & 61 Reviews - Hiking - 6777 Mt Baldy Rd This trail is for hiking. Jacket (Must be familiarthe layering system) Bone-in Wings. Baldy's BBQ and Catering - St Louis, MO - Food Truck | StreetFoodFinder Trekking Poles, FOR COLDER SEASONS: I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." 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. 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. 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! The most common and the one this Website describes, is to take the ski lift (open on weekends, 8 AM to 5 PM) up to Baldy Notch Ski Lodge and then take the westerly trail over the Devil's Backbone, across the southern side of Mt. Baldy: 1 - The Devil's Backbone trail approaches the summit from the east. 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. We went in regular gym clothes, not knowing that we were in for a surprise. Start: Devils Backbone Trail connects Baldy Notch with the peak, and is 2.8 miles long with 2,269 of elevation gain. It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. At the final push up the mountain three hikers who were just starting the descent from the summit of Mt. Woodson, itself just over 2000 feet in elevation. After a good nights sleep we set out at 7:30am. 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. There are a number of ways to approach Mount Baldy. The camaraderie of joining a select few who have hiked to the summit of Mt. By hiking 2.3 miles from the parking lot at the base of the ski lift to Baldy Notch. 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. Located in the Angeles National Forest, Mt. ), 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. The trail starts near two porta-potties at a dirt road junction at Manker Flat. 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. San Antonio trail is considered the mother of all hikes and one that is a must on the bucket list of hiking trails! Turn left on Baseline Road. Although very steep, the Ski Hut trail offers very scenic views as you hike through a forest of pines. Wear sunscreen, comfortable warm clothes and shoes. 2.6 miles: After the Ski Hut, the trail reaches the ridge and ascends to the summit. These are horseshoe-shaped piles of stone that are just high enough (2-3 feet) to protect campers from the wind. On the day we hiked, the daytime temp was low 80s, although the 14 mph winds kept it very comfortable. Harwood, Mt. Hiking Boots/Shoes withgood grip (Required) 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. Microspikesor IceTrekkers, shoe chain traction (Highly recommended) The elevation gain is the same as the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail and the distance is probably about the same. Your Ultimate Guide to Hiking Mount Baldy - She Dreams Of Alpine The Scariest Section Of Devil's Backbone Trail (Mt. Baldy) 11/20/2020 Lauren C. I summited Mt. Baldy (via Devils Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. Over half of this trail is partially or fully-exposed to the sun. Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering The photo is taken pointing towards West Baldy. : No. 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. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California Comfortable waterproofhiking boots with good grip. Baldy is its first peak. Devil's Backbone - Mount Baldy, CA - Yelp After he conquers the pylon we continue on to Baldy Notch and soon arrive. To hike the loop: Park along Mount Baldy Road just past Manker Flats Campground at the bottom of Falls Road (0 miles) Trailhead, September 2012. 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. Antonio (Mt. 16 Miles. Wool (Hiking) Socks. Turn left again at Mt. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. Baldy Road. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. This is a good training for anyone preparing for more advanced hikes such as Mt. 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 From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. Although the numerous hikes that I had done in San Diego over the past 5 months were challenging and I did see tremendous hiking growth take place, hiking to the summit of a 10,064 foot mountain was a dramatic change from the nearest challenging hike of Mt. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. How to hike Mt. Baldy Devil's Backbone Trail 2020; Mt. Baldy San You can take the Old Baldy Trail, the Ski Hut Trail, or the Devils Backbone. The trail is wide and right away gets your heart pumping as the road begins a steady incline ascent. 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. This can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Baldy Village for $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. During the weekend, at least two others were injured after. The gentler access road is to the left of this trail, and it snakes up the ridge rather than going straight up. After doing this hike I now know why people climb mountains, the sense of accomplishment is beyond words! For the easiest route, follow the access road leading toward the top of the left-side ski lifts. Mt. Baldy - Devil's Backbone ORIG - LA Trail Hikers It begins at Baldy Notch and ends at Mt. 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. (You Dont need Forest Recreation Pass)www.mtbaldy.com. 1.0 mile: At the junction, turn left up the steep Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl trail). You can do it! Be prepared if this is your plan. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! I am not sure about the chairlift regulations. Judging from trail wear, most people go straight up a steeper ski slope. Gold-seekers originally established the trail to the summit in San Gabriel Canyon. Baldy Road. Antonio (Mt. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. Dan's Hiking Pages: Mt. Baldy - SimpsonCity General Info: The Devil's Backbone Trail is 3.24 miles long. 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. 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. Devil's Backbone is a trail that stretches along the ridge of the mountain east of the Mt. San Antonio or as Southern Californians fondly call it Mt. Mineral resources of the Mount Baldy Primitive Area, Arizona : an Mount Baldy Loop | Los Angeles | Hikespeak.com Baldy via the Devils Backbone as an out and back, with or without the ski lift. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. 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 Find out more about hiking levels here: Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! Turn East (right) onto Mt Baldy Rd. Do share! Parking is on the west side of the divided road a 1/2 mile below the Baldy Ski Lifts. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. 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. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience. Heres how to incorporate the outdoors, walking and other exercise into therapy in a way thats good for clients and for you. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. However, as our Sierra Club friend pointed out, a few of these hikers got lost due to the snow covering the trail and have died due to exposure to the elements while being lost in the wilderness of the valley. Continue 2.8 miles on Mt. 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. This is a higher level hike and should not be taken lightly. The one-way cost may be the same as round trip. Our first night we had diner at the Mt. Not my choice, as I was lost in a whiteout) and summertime (May 22, 2020. Mt Baldy - via Devil's Backbone - LA Trail Hikers for about 7 miles to the Village and another 3 miles up to the Ski lifts. 1 photo. Turn right onto Mt. He is most certainly at the peak facing Westward. 2.2 miles: Reconnect to the path to Baldy. 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. 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 is the highest peak in San Gabriel Mountains and the highest point in Los Angeles County. (76), Climber's Log Entries Hes 74 and does this twice a week, I say hes the motivation! From Baldy Notch, you take a very steep trail up towards the beginning of the Devils backbone. 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. 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. 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. 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. : He was very much intrigued with my son Sam, interestingly same name, his life and his motivation to climb Mt. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. 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 Devil's Backbone Trail. Upland CA 91786, REQUIRED: Scenic chair lift tickets $15.00 if purchase online & $20.00 there. 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. 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. On the access road from Manker Flat (Falls Road), the route is gentle and unambiguious. Both the Devil's Backbone and Baldy Bowl trails end relatively in the same location, so a loop is possible. He does the same, and as we do, the emotions of the day take over and I choke up as my son says. Having said that let the adventure begin! During our time on the summit there were five others that we met. San Antonio also offers the chance for the group to consult with one another as to the best route down the mountain. San Antonio greet us. 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. (When this trail is covered in ice and snow, you need crampons and an ice axe.). Mt. 3. Hike-ability level:Difficultbut doable! Baldy is one of the most prominent mountains with some amazing 360 degree views over Southern California. There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. The Devils Backbone keeps ascending until it levels off next to Mt. 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. However, be wary that trails are hard to follow on the stone surface, and taking the wrong one may necessitate steep backtracking. 76. Please note, that we have high, experienced expectations for Level 9hikers. 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. Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for . From here, you can enjoy views of the other high peaks of the back range of the San Gabriel Mountains. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. Gaiters (optional) Okay, now to clarify the multiple approaches to the peak of Mt. Objective: Summit Mt. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. Fun local Hike in the North County! The trail begins on a fire road. Mount Baldy Summit via Devils Backbone Trail | Outdoor Project In the southern California hiking world the Mt. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. I hiked Mt. Elevation Gain: 2,369 PARKING PERMIT (REQUIRED): Adventure Pass: $5 Day, or $30 annual. [] 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 []. Enjoy your outing! Distance: 6.6 miles (out and back) Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California Mt. Baldy - Devil's Backbone Trail The Devil's Backbone connects Mt. 1. And in fact, I included Baldy as peak #3 in my Six-Pack of Peaks progressive training series. Difficulty: Strenuous. We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike youre not ready for. Road will dead end into the ski area parking lot. Water. The trailhead is located off of Mount Baldy Road. Baldy Village. Mt. Baldy (via Devil's Backbone) - Elemental Quests Turn left on Baseline Road. Follow any of the ski runs west to the top or the ski area boundry. Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone Trail | Map, Guide - AllTrails It is much easier to return to Manker Flat, even though you lose some altitude. Uphills with quickgain, NoBeginners, Intermediate Hikers, No Kids, No Dogs), WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL? 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. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. If you follow the ridge up, you will find several class 4 climbs. Menus | Big Baldy's Bac-Woods Bar-B-Q 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. San Antonio Devil's Backbone Ridge - Camino of Death, Images I am constantly reminded how much a hike is done one step at a time, much like in life, we are only given one-step or one day at a time! Harwood, continuing toward a saddle between Mt Baldy and Mt Harwood. Do not do this hike in the winter unless you are a mountaineer with alpine meadows ice/snow travel experience. Via Ski Hut, return Backbone; Hike 7-22-07; 100 photos on my Flickr. 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. You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. 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. As mentioned earlier, the trail-head start was right across from the campground on Mt. HIKE WALKTHROUGH:San Antonio Peak aka Mt. Hiking the Devil's Backbone, Mt. Baldy - Ramble State MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? This trail is about 3 miles from the lodge to the summit with a net elevation gain of 2,264 feet. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. The trail continues its 2.7-mile ascent up to Baldy Notch. Baldy in the Summer Part 4 Down - Jay Sean. Baldy, across neighboring Mt. GETTING THERE: @ Mt. It was very hard for us because we do not go prepared at all! HIKE LEAD: TBA. 4k 60fps Norwegian Xplorer 5.5K views 2 years ago I Can't Believe We Had to TURN AROUND!. Harwood, to the summit. This man had more energy than the rest of us combined. There is a white gate and blue porta-potty to landmark the start. And, reflection of sun from snow can cause sunburn as well. The narrow trail climbs north straight up the side of San Antonio Canyon. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. . Fee/Book a Session Coaching Sessions: Telehealth, Park, or Trail Hikes 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is in a perfect place to rest and refuel.