Contact the ski resort directly for more information and booking. Climb Devil's Backbone, Los Angeles Basin - Mountain Project Thanks. Harwood. Sierra Club Ski Hut Trek Highlights. Baldy Photo Presentations: Hike 6-12-04 28 photos with captions. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience. The summit actually has two peaks: the main peak, elevation 10,068 feet (3,069 m), and a sub-peak, West Baldy, at 9,988 feet (3,044 m). From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. San Antonio greet us. The trail is wide and right away gets your heart pumping as the road begins a steady incline ascent. What were the tips from pro hikers? Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at 10,064 feet and is the highest point of the San Gabriel Mountains. Baldy! Burger King (Parking Lot) Hardwood, and down past the ski resort to the valley floor. Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for . Hiker dies, several hurt in falls near Mt. Baldy over weekend By clicking Attending, or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Not far from Los Angeles, this trail is heavily trafficked. 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. Devil's Backbone, 6777 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA, Sports Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. The hike to the summit of Mt. 3.3 miles: Turn around when reaching West Baldy. After doing this hike I now know why people climb mountains, the sense of accomplishment is beyond words! In fact the first 1.5 miles down the mountain proved much more hazardous than the previous 6.8 miles up as I lost my footing twice. 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? And/or the 10 FWY. When on Baseline go west, to Monte Vista/Padua Ave. Either route there is no gas station once you exit the freeway. I am not sure about the chairlift regulations. It was very hard for us because we do not go prepared at all! HIKE NAME: Mt. From Baldy Notch, you take a very steep trail up towards the beginning of the Devils backbone. Continue to the saddle and then on the ridge or slightly to the north side, to the top of MT Baldy. It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. It then ascends over a dozen little switchbacks at the western edge of the Baldy Bowl. San Antonio or as Southern Californians fondly call it Mt. 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. Menus | Big Baldy's Bac-Woods Bar-B-Q Harwood, to the summit. 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. HIKE REQUIREMENTS: Must have completed another LATH Level 7, 8, 9 hike prior to this hike. Mt. Water. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California 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. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. 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! Difficulty: Strenuous. DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. Follow any of the ski runs west to the top or the ski area boundry. We decided to ascend on the ski hut trail and come down on the devil's backbone so we can enjoy a loop. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. Baldy (via Devils Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. 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. The trailhead is located off of Mount Baldy Road. Baldy in the Summer #mtbaldy #mtsanantonio #hiking #mountainclimbing #sixpackofpeaks #socalhiking #socal #solohiker #femalehiker #outdoors". Adding microspikes to your shoes will help in keep best traction with snow (highly recommended). This can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Baldy Village for $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. 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! Mount Baldy and the Devil's Backbone has been on my to do list ever since my husband and I moved to Los Angeles. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? However, be wary that trails are hard to follow on the stone surface, and taking the wrong one may necessitate steep backtracking. Aurelia Squire Harwood was a conservationist, educator, and first female President of the Sierra Club. Baldy Road and drive for 11.5 miles past Mt. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? (37), Comments Good description of hiking Mt Baldy via the Devils Backbone Trail. You can reach Baldy Notch by: Baldy Notch: Follow the fire road up to the beginning of the Devils Backbone Trail. After spotting Mt. AMAZING views, and Id definitely do this hike again. NOTE: Well be driving from Subway to the hike Manker Flats trail head. Baldy. During our time on the summit there were five others that we met. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. Having said that let the adventure begin! When the path levels off, the Devils Backbone Trail becomes a narrow ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for your vehicle while parked the the trailhead. 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! (10,064) elevation. Distance: 11 miles (clockwise loop) Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is a great spot for refueling. The 210 FWY brings you closer to the Mountain and less city driving. Many choose to cut uphill in a narrow switchback pattern to ensure their footing. After he conquers the pylon we continue on to Baldy Notch and soon arrive. HIKE DURATION: 9 hrs. Comfortable waterproofhiking boots with good grip. The hike is a strenuous one in which there is an approximate 3,900 feet of vertical gain to reach the top. And in fact, I included Baldy as peak #3 in my Six-Pack of Peaks progressive training series. Find out more about hiking levels here: Sometimes, you slide your body on the edge of a rock hanging over the swallowing precipice. 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. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. Mt Baldy - via Devil's Backbone HIKE NAME: Mt. 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. Harwoods ridgeline trail, follow it to the Harwoods peak while it parallels the Backbone below, or you can always scramble up the scree. 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. Okay, now to clarify the multiple approaches to the peak of Mt. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead. 3. Take the Mountain Ave. / Mount Baldy exit from either freeway, which is located in the city of Upland and head north towards the mountains. Peak Elevation: 10,064 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). 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. The views are spectacular, the hiking is strenuous! 1.7 miles: Take the northern trail along the ridge to Mt. "I love deadlines. HIKE WALKTHROUGH: This is a popular route because it can take advantage of riding the ski lift. 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. (When this trail is covered in ice and snow, you need crampons and an ice axe.). At this point one other hiker was at the top and we asked him to take our picture. 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! 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. Harwood, continuing toward a saddle between Mt Baldy and Mt Harwood. 7.5 miles: Baldy Notch is at the top of the ski lift. San Antonio and back! It could get very cold (winds) and the next minute get hot so be prepared!!! 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! 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). The Notch also has 600 zip lines that are 70 above the ground. Directions to Trailhead. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is in a perfect place to rest and refuel. After hiking 6.8 miles and nearly 5 hours to ascend Mt. DEVIL'S BACKBONE - 199 Photos & 62 Reviews - 6777 Mt Baldy Rd, Mount Baldy, CA - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Devil's Backbone 62 reviews Unclaimed Hiking Edit See 202 photos Write a review Add photo " From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to " in 7 reviews Part 4: Hiking Mt. Baldy in the Summer #mtbaldy #mtsanantonio #hiking mdostby. 2.6 miles: After the Ski Hut, the trail reaches the ridge and ascends to the summit. Baldy, claiming many lives during winter. Judging from trail wear, most people go straight up a steeper ski slope. Mt. Baldy (via Devil's Backbone) - Elemental Quests 13 miles round trip. Baldy Village. Take some enough snacks & a lunch (trail mix, nuts, granola bars, fruit, etc.) The camaraderie of joining a select few who have hiked to the summit of Mt. You are fully responsible for yourself. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. Poway, CA, Hike it! Devil's Backbone is a trail that stretches along the ridge of the mountain east of the Mt. At the final push up the mountain three hikers who were just starting the descent from the summit of Mt. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. : Sky Haven West Trailhead: Hiker Therapy 07/15/17, Fireworks Hike! Baldy and 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. 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). Ski Hut Trail for ascent & Devil's Backbone Trail for the descend Enjoy your outing! Even before making the trek across the backbone, its fear factor kicks in big time! 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From Baldy Notch, the fireroad climbs steeply to the second ski lift, marking the start of the Devils Backbone Trail. Mount Baldy via Devils Backbone Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains, The Best Way to Summit Mount Baldy! Walk past the locked gate of Falls Road and follow the dirt road for almost 2 miles to the ski lodge. All Rights Reserved. The Scariest Section Of Devil's Backbone Trail (Mt. Baldy) Was extremely windy yesterday, but . Above the Ski Hut, the trail hits a rocky patch. There is another similar windbreak in a much more protected location along the trail below the summit. (76), Climber's Log Entries It was our first time on a real hike. Baldy is one of the most prominent mountains with some amazing 360 degree views over Southern California. 2.2 miles: Reconnect to the path to Baldy. Approx. Make a right on Padua Avenue and continue for 1.8 miles. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. The fire road ends at the Devil's Backbone, and it is a trail from there on up to the summit. Baldy Village. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail as an out and back. Just wondering if there was any snow?? 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. 32. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. This hike is all about the psychological. Part of the ridge is only two inches wide (which I call the Mouse Walk, after the Cat's Walk on Casaval Ridge of Mt. We can carpool/caravan fromthe meeting point. Pretty much snow all the way up beyond the ski-hut, recommend crampons/microspikes and an early start when the pack is somewhat firm. Antonio (Mt. Whitney. (5 ), Mt. Devil's Backbone Trail Area Status: Closed The Devil's Backbone Trail is currently CLOSED until further notice. 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. The Devils Backbone Trail is about 6.5 miles each way. 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). We continued our winding descent through this beautiful mountain scenery. We went through the Devils Backbone and the pictures that are shown online is not the scary part! 1 photo. In addition, as Level 9experienced hikers, you must already have a good idea what to pack for these more challenging hikes. San Antonio Devil's Backbone Ridge - Camino of Death Image Gallery - 2 Images. Drive 2.3 miles to the Mt. The photo is taken pointing towards West Baldy. HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed a LATH hike Level 7+ and up with no problem. Hikers can actually stay at the Ski Hut which is operated by the Sierra Club. He was very much intrigued with my son Sam, interestingly same name, his life and his motivation to climb Mt. Thanks for adding this good information. 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. The Devil's Backbone connects Mt. 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. 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. 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. Devil's Backbone - Mount Baldy, CA - Yelp So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! Baldy is its first peak. Just did this hike yesterday. Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes or Snow Shoesgood 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. More. Fee/Book a Session Coaching Sessions: Telehealth, Park, or Trail Hikes Baldy via the Devils Backbone as an out and back, with or without the ski lift. One of these five really made an impression not only on us but everyone else who met him as well. The Register Ridge Trail runs perpendicular into the Devil's Backbone Trail, 1 mile east of the D.BBone Trail sign at the top of Mt. : At the summit are several crude rock windbreaks. 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. San Antonio, is reason enough to take in the view! The Devils Backbone keeps ascending until it levels off next to Mt. Rated 5 / 5. Baldy, authorities said. 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. By now the legs and lungs have grown accustomed to the steady ascent and hanging in there very well. Mt. Baldy (via Ski Hut and Devil's Backbone) - Elemental Quests At the end of Falls Road, the path makes a big U-turn at San Antonio Falls. a 74 year old Korean man who makes the trek to the summit of Baldy two times per week. 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. Dont let it intimidate you. For those who havent crossed the backbone, the views are superb! San Antonio. Uphills with quickgain, NoBeginners, Intermediate Hikers, No Kids, No Dogs), WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL? Turn right onto Mt. There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. Jacket (Must be familiarthe layering system) San Antonio, Its A Volcano! 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.