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MT. BALDY LOOP HIKE
   
     DISTANCE: 11.3 Miles Roundtrip

     ELEVATION:  10,064'
     ELEVATION GAIN:  3900'

     TYPE: Loop
     HIKING TIME: 5 - 6 Hours
     RATING:  Strenuous
     FEATURES: 80' Waterfall, Highest Summit in San Gabriels,

                           Panoramic Views, Top of the Notch restaurant, 
                           optional ski lift

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS


PictureSki Hut Trail
It's not just the tallest peak in the San Gabriel's, Mount Baldy is the highest peak in all of Los Angeles County, making it the must have mountain for Angelino Peakbaggers. But snagging that peak isn't easy. Mount Baldy, or Mount San Antonio as it is more properly known, rises a little over 10,000 feet above sea level with a distinctive and very steep 'bald' southeasterly face. Snow may linger on the northern slopes well into May. The summit can be reached by one of two primary trails, the combined Baldy-Ski Hut Trail from the south or the Devil's Backbone Trail from the east. These two trails can be combined into one large loop trail. Both trails begin with the same trailhead on Falls Road and continue past thte 80' San Antonio Falls a mere .6 mile into the hike. A third of a mile past the falls, the Baldy-Ski Hut Trail veers off to the left on an unmarked trail and the trail to Devil's Backbone continues on the dirt road.

The Baldy-Ski Hut Trail is the more difficult of the two with one section gaining 500' in elevation in just 2/3 of a mile. This is also the more scenic trail of the two routes with the lower portion of the trail passing through the woodlands of San Antonio Canyon to the Sierra Club Ski Hut. The ascent to the hut is moderately steep and very consistent in its climb with few level areas. Passing the Ski Hut, hikers will cross a boulder field at the base of Baldy Bowl, the natural amphitheater formed by the southeastern slope of Mount Baldy. The climb becomes sharply steeper following the boulder field and weaves through a section of tall Jeffrey Pine. As you climb higher the vegetation thins dramatically for wide scenic views of Baldy Bowl from the western perimeter until you reach the barren summit of Mount Baldy. The trek up Baldy-Ski Hut is difficult, strenuous and long and is recommended for experienced hikers only

PictureDevil's Backbone Trail
The longer, but slightly easier Devil's Backbone Trail follows the rocky ridgeline extending west from Baldy Notch to the summit. The views from the ridge are all encompassing with another sweeping vista around every turn. The trail is sometimes narrow with steep drop offs to one side or the other and alternates between lush undergrowth amid pines to suddenly barren outcroppings of rock. The lower portion of this trail is, unfortunately, somewhat uninteresting as it follows a dirt fire road for 3.5 miles from the parking lot to Baldy Notch. It's not an unattractive hike, it just lacks the expansive beauty of the upper section. Reaching Baldy Notch, however, you are rewarded with rest rooms, water fountains and a restaurant, the Top of the Notch before continuing on the Devil's Backbone. This lower section can also be bypassed on the Mt. Baldy ski lift for a nominal fee.

The guide presented below details a loop trail moving in a counter clockwise direction up to Baldy Notch, across Devil's Backbone to the summit and then descending along the Baldy-Ski Hut Trail. Options for reversing the loop or tackling either trail as an out-and-back are presented at the bottom of this page. Hiking boots are strongly recommended and hikers should take extra water.

Click the full frame icon in the upper right corner for a larger map in a separate window.

Directions to Trailhead

Manker Flats Campground
Mt. Baldy, CA 91759

From the 210 Freeway eastbound, exit at Basline Road, Exit 52. Make the first right onto Padua Road and continue 1.7 miles to the traffic light at Mt. Baldy Road. Turn right onto Mt. Baldy Road and continue 7 miles to  Mt. Baldy Village. Stop at the visitor's center to purchase an Adventure Pass for parking. Current litigation regarding the Adventure Pass does not require the Adventure Pass to park, but this could change. Stop at the visitor center to check on the status of Adventure Passes to avoid a ticket and possible towing of your vehicle. Continue on Mt. Baldy Road for 4.4 miles to Manker Flats and park along the road. Begin hiking on Falls Road.

Mt. Baldy Loop Hike Trail Guide
Click for printable .pdf map and trail guide.

Picture
Trailhead

          The trail begins on Falls Road. Cross around the gate and continue .6 
          miles to San Antonio Falls.

Picture
San Antonio Falls (.6 mile)

        An 80' waterfall tumbles down the rocks on your left. A short spur trail leads
        to the base of the falls. The road hairpins to the right and becomes a dirt fire
        road known as Baldy Road. Continue 2.9 miles to Baldy Notch and the Top of
        the Notch restaurant. At .3 miles from the falls, the unmarked Ski Hut Trail 
        veers off up and to the left should you want to do this loop in reverse. Note 
        that this trail is easy to miss.

Picture
Trail Junction 1 (3.5 miles)

        At Baldy notch you can stop for a bite to eat at Top of the Notch restaurant, 
        refill your water bottles and avail yourself of the restroom facilities. To continue
        on the trail,  turn left at the ski school and continue past the large bell. Angle 
        up and to your right to join the Devil's Backbone Trail which follows the ski lift. 
        Do not follow the flatter dirt road that angles off to your left.

Picture
Trail Junction 2

        As you approach the bottom of the ski slope, you have two choices: veer off to
        the left just below the start of the fencing and follow an access road utilizing a 
        long switchback or proceed directly up the slope. The road will add some time,
        but is much easier to hike. The slope is shorter, but is very steep. Very steep! 
        I've hiked it so you don't have to.  Use the road unless you want a challenge.
       The summit is 3.3 miles ahead.

Picture
Trail Junction 3

         At the intersection, hairpin turn to your right and continue uphill back toward 
         the ski slope.

Picture
Trail Junction 4

        If you are coming up the switchback, turn left at this intersection and continue
        on the Devil's Backbone Trail. If you came up the slope, just keep going 
        straight. This point also gives you your first great view of the surrounding 
        mountians. The Mojave Desert can be seen to the north on clear days.

Picture
Devil's Backbone Bridge

        At this point on the trail the mountain falls away to either side of the trail   
        providing great 360° views. This section can be a little unnerving to some 
        people, but the trail is fairly wide at this point and there is little risk unless 
        you purposefully step off the trail.

Picture
Bend of the Backbone

       Another harrowing moment for some hikers comes after crossing the Backbone
       Bridge. The singletrack trail becomes quite narrow and seems to cling 
       precariously to the side of the mountain. There can sometimes be bottlenecks 
       on this section as hikers going in both directions cautiously work their way past
       each other.

Picture
Rim of the Bowl

        The trail begins to cross the northeastern side of the Baldy Bowl. The trail at 
        times can be almost 'slushy' with scrabble and the landscape takes on a 
        volcanic or barren lunar look.


Picture
Baldy Bowl

         This is the large natural amphitheater of scrabble and slide debris from the 
         summit of Mt. Baldy leading into San Antonio Canyon. There is little vegeta-
         tion growing on the slopes of the bowl and it has a distinct volcanic or even 
         lunar appearance. The trail that leads around the rim of the bowl to the 
         summit is rocky and loose, often feeling 'slushy' underfoot.

Picture
Mt. Baldy Summit, 10,064' (6.8 miles)

       Congratulations, you've reached the summit of Mt. Baldy (Mt. San Antonio). 
       Take in the views and rest up for the long hike back down.

Picture
Trail Junction 5

         From the top of Mt. Baldy, you will want to proceed due south on the Baldy 
         Trail-Ski Hut Trail. The trail is not well marked, and as it descends from the 
         summit, it breaks into numerous smaller trails crisscrossing each other rather 
         than one clearly delineated trail. As you look down from the summit, you will 
         see a large rock outcropping a half-mile or so down the slope. Head for that 
         outcropping. Just before the outcropping, the trail will will hitch to the right and 
         descend below the outcrop and to its right. If you miss the turn, don't worry. 
         The main trail ends at a nice cliff at the rock outcrop. Just walk back up the 
         trail about 30 yards and look for the turn (now on your left). The descent is 
         steep and consistent with a lot of short switchbacking. The distance to the ski 
         hut is 1.9 miles.

Picture
Trail Junction 6

         The trail comes off its steep descent into a flat wooded area. This is a great 
         place to take a break and rest your knees. When you are ready to continue, 
         the trail makes a sharp turn to the left and descends through a much more 
         wooded area than you have previously experienced on the trail.

Picture
Boulder Field

        The trail crosses a boulder field and can be hard to follow. Just work your 
        way across the field in a northeasterly fashion toward the Ski Hut.

Picture
Ski Hut (8.7 miles)

        The Baldy Trail ends at the Sierra Club Ski Hut and becomes the Ski Hut trail.
        The trail descends for 1.7 miles to Baldy Road.

Picture
Trail Junction 7 (10.4 miles)

       The Ski Hut Trail joins Baldy Road. Turn right and continue downhill past 
       San Antonio Falls .9 miles to return to the parking area for a total of 11.3 
       miles.

Picture
San Antonio Canyon
Picture
Mt. Baldy from Mt. Baldy Road
Picture
Picture
San Antonio Falls
Picture
San Antonio Creek
Picture
Top of the Notch
Picture
North from Devil's Backbone Trail
Picture
Devil's Backbone Bridge
Picture
View from Summit
Picture
Baldy Bowl
Picture
Baldy Trail-Ski Hut Trail Below Summit
Picture
Rock Outcrop on Baldy Trail Below Summit

ALTERNATE ROUTES

PictureSummit Descent on the Devil's Backbone
REVERSE LOOP (11.3 miles)

This trip simply reverses the loop described above, but is a more challenging climb, achieving the 3900' in elevation gain in just 4.5 miles on the Baldy/Ski Hut Trail as compared to 6.8 miles via the Devil's Backbone Trail. The trail begins the same on Falls Road, but .3 mile past San Antonio Falls, look for the unmarked trail angling up and to the left of the dirt fire road. The trail junction is easy to miss so be on the watch for it. From there the trail climbs consistently and moderately through San Antonio Canyon for 1.7 miles to the Sierra Club Ski Hut. After the ski hut, the trail angles westerly across a boulder field at the bottom of Baldy Bowl and then begins a stark upward climb, gaining 500' in roughly .66 of a mile through a stand of Jeffery Pine. The trail reaches a small plateau and then begins another very steep climb for about 2 miles to the summit. This section of the trail is not clearly delineated with many paths crisscrossing each other. If in doubt, simply continue moving uphill. The vegetation progressively thins as you climb the western edge of Baldy Bowl toward the summit. From the summit you will descend northeasterly on the rocky Devil's Backbone Trail along the upper rim of the bowl. As you leave the barren rim of the bowl behind, the trail will snake around the Bend of the Backbone and onto the Backbone Bridge in a rather easy descent before plunging once more down the Backbone to Baldy Notch. At Baldy Notch you will have the option of taking the ski lift down after grabbing a bite to eat at the Top of the Notch restaurant. The ski lift operates on weekends during the summer. The cost is $10 for a one-way trip or $20 for a roundtrip. One of the advantages of ending your hike with the ski lift is you will take in the most scenic areas of the hike and end at Baldy Notch for food and drinks and then avoid the least interesting part of the trail on Baldy Road with a relaxing glide down the mountain.

It should be noted that following the loop in this direction is considerably more difficult and taxing than the counter-clockwise version described above. It should only be attempted by experienced and in-shape hikers.

PictureRim of the Bowl on Devil's Backbone
DEVIL'S BACKBONE OUT-AND-BACK (9 miles roundtrip)

The Devil's Backbone is the easiest of the two major routes to the summit of Mt. Baldy, but that doesn't mean it isn't challenging. The lower half begins on Falls Road and passes San Antonio Falls. At the falls, the road hairpins to the right and continues on the unpaved Baldy Road. The climb is a strong moderate ascent to Baldy Notch. This section of trail is the least interesting visually of all the ascents to the summit with no great vistas or notable features. Once you reach Baldy Notch, that will change considerably. The sky opens up with grand views of the surrounding mountains and the Mojave Desert to the north as you begin to climb the moderately to often strenuous Devil's Backbone Trail. The trail levels off slightly as you cross Devil's Backbone Bridge and snake around the Bend of the Backbone on a narrow singletrack trail with steep drop offs. The vegetation thins out as you approach the rim of Baldy Bowl, and the rocky, scrabbly ground may feel slushy underfoot in sections. The final push is a very steep, rocky climb to the summit. After enjoying the views from the highest point in the San Gabriel Mountains, retrace your steps down Devil's Backbone to Baldy Notch and then down the fire road to the parking area.

One option to avoid the less interesting trek below Baldy Notch is to take the ski lift from the parking area to Baldy Notch. The ski lift operates on weekends during the summer and is $10 one-way or $20 roundtrip. You will have a shorter, but more scenic hike along the Backbone capped off with dinner and drinks at Top of the Notch and then a relaxing glide down the mountain.

PictureSierra Club Ski Hut
BALDY TRAIL - SKI HUT TRAIL (6.8 miles roundtrip)

Utilizing the Baldy/Ski Hut trail provides an incredible challenge to hikers and takes in the most scenic sections of the larger loop trail while cutting considerable mileage from that hike. The tradeoff is that you will be climbing and descending the steepest sections of the loop, which can prove challenging even to experienced hikers. The trail begins the same on Falls Road, but .3 mile past San Antonio Falls, look for the unmarked trail angling up and to the left of the dirt fire road. The trail junction is easy to miss so be on the watch for it. From there the trail climbs consistently and moderately through San Antonio Canyon for 1.7 miles to the Sierra Club Ski Hut. After the ski hut, the trail angles westerly across a boulder field at the bottom of Baldy Bowl and then begins a stark upward climb, gaining 500' in roughly .66 of a mile through a stand of Jeffery Pine. The trail reaches a small plateau and then begins another very steep climb for about 2 miles to the summit. This section of the trail is not clearly delineated with many paths crisscrossing each other. If in doubt, simply continue moving uphill. The vegetation progressively thins as you climb the western edge of Baldy Bowl toward the summit. After resting at  the summit, retrace your steps down Baldy/Ski Hut Trail to the parking area.

It should be noted that this trail is is considerably more difficult and taxing than the alternate Devil's Backbone out-and-back. It should only be attempted by experienced and in-shape hikers.

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