This hike represented for me the epitome of what a hike can provide as far as the mental and physical challenges and benefits. From the top of the ski lift, follow the fire road up the ridge. 1.7 miles: Take the northern trail along the ridge to Mt. . In the southern California hiking world the Mt. 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). 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. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. This is a good training for anyone preparing for more advanced hikes such as 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 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. Head back to Baldy Notch. Either route there is no gas station once you exit the freeway. Register Ridge VariationAuthor: Mike ZimmermanDate: June 27, 2004 2:50 PM Follow the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail route as if you are heading up to the Ski Hut. DISTANCE: 6 - 9 Miles (Round trip). Many choose to cut uphill in a narrow switchback pattern to ensure their footing. Much like life this trail has lots of ups and downs and is done one step at the time. An Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle parked along the roadside. Turn right onto Mt. Baldy Road come into view, a reassuring sign to our tired feet and bodies that we were almost home! 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. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. You will see the top of Mt Baldy directly front of you. 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. Baldy! and #2, We are crossing the Devils Backbone to get there!. At 10,064 feet above sea level, the snow often sticks around well into June. Get to there via the 210 FWY. 11/20/2020 Lauren C. I summited Mt. The trail is wide and right away gets your heart pumping as the road begins a steady incline ascent. Aurelia Squire Harwood was a conservationist, educator, and first female President of the Sierra Club. HIKE LEVEL: Level 9. Baldy Village. 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 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. San Gabriel Mountains. Wool (Hiking) Socks. Windbreaker : No. Hiking Boots/Shoes withgood grip (Required) Mt. stopping along the way to take it all in, not to mention to rest. This is Baldy Notch. http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/, HIKE RSVP: San Antonio, Its A Volcano! Return Approx: 4:00pm, HIKE LEVEL:Level9(**Experienced Hikers only** Highly Strenuous. If you have them, gaiters will help keep snow out of your socks/show opening. In this clockwise loop, you take the Ski Hut Trail to the summit, follow the Devils Backbone to the Notch, and take the fireroad back to the trailhead. Harwoods ridgeline trail, follow it to the Harwoods peak while it parallels the Backbone below, or you can always scramble up the scree. Baldy (via Devils Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. There are steep slopes on both sides of the trail. Hikers can actually stay at the Ski Hut which is operated by the Sierra Club. 1.0 mile: At the junction, turn left up the steep Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl trail). 1/13/2023. | Mr and Mrs Adventure, https://metropolitanmolly.com/2021/06/14/hiking-mount-baldy-how-to-successfully-conquer-the-tallest-mountain-in-the-angeles-national-forest-summer-edition/, From the summit of Mount Baldy after hiking 4.5 miles up, By riding the Mount Baldy ski lift up 1,500 feet in elevation to Baldy Notch, By hiking 3.5 mile up a dirt road from Manker Flats to Baldy Notch. Your email address will not be published. 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. The narrow trail climbs north straight up the side of San Antonio Canyon. Difficulty: Strenuous. Harwood. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. The feeling of accomplishment is like none other! I'm sure it will be usefull. Harwood on your way 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. Hes 74 and does this twice a week, I say hes the motivation! Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! 11. The views are unreal! But it always seemed to get pushed off -- due to bad weather, brush fires in the. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California Turn East (right) onto Mt Baldy Rd. The path dips before rejoining the Backbone for one last climb up the switchbacks to the top of Baldy. San Antonio as a loop route with some friends. Baldy Village. Other more daring climbers venture off towards the steeper chutes. The Devil's Backbone connects Mt. 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. 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. The photo is taken pointing towards West Baldy. 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. This is a remarkably narrow rising ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side, connecting Baldy Notch to the summit. 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. Via Ski Hut Baldy. Baldy) via the Devil's Backbone is classic for hikers on the San Gabriel Mountains where Mt. Baldy. It then ascends over a dozen little switchbacks at the western edge of the Baldy Bowl. Wish we had stuff like this in Minnesota! The Devils Backbone keeps ascending until it levels off next to Mt. HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed a LATH hike Level 7+ and up with no problem. View Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone Image Gallery - 76 Images. Turn North (right) on Padua, follow for a mile to the light. Heres how to incorporate the outdoors, walking and other exercise into therapy in a way thats good for clients and for you. 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. The Devil's Backbone is the sharp ridge extending due east from the summit of Mt. Mount San Antonio is known as Baldy because there are no trees on the bare southern face of the mountain. 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. for about 7 miles to the Village and another 3 miles up to the Ski lifts. San Antonio or as Southern Californians fondly call it Mt. Arriving mid-afternoon at the Manker Flats Campground,which was to be our home for the next two nights, we set up camp. There was only one other hiker on the trail and she strode past us pretty quickly. Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass? 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. The spine-tingling hike along a tantalizing spine starts from Baldy Notch. More. The Notch also has 600 zip lines that are 70 above the ground. 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. Literally, you straddle with one leg on one side and the other leg on the other side of the ridge. 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. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California Follow the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail route as if you are heading up to the Ski Hut. MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? Devil's Backbone, Mt. 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. 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. Please try to have this prior to the day of the hike. Occasionally, you have to climb up big boulders with no margin of errors. . We did it Dad! We made it! We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level. The hike to the summit of Mt. You can take the Old Baldy Trail, the Ski Hut Trail, or the Devils Backbone. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Needless to say we were glad we came across our friend. The Dont let it intimidate you. 0.5 miles: At the waterfall lookout, the Baldy fire road begins. Hiking is like mindfulness which teaches us to experience that which we are doing right now! Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for . MEETING LOCATION: Burger King (Parking Lot) 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. 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. Beanie A hike to Mt. After he conquers the pylon we continue on to Baldy Notch and soon arrive. Antonio (Mt. Turn left on Baseline Road. Multiple fatalities here- people losing footing and sliding down several hundred feet bouncing offf rocks and trees. Baldy in the Summer Part 4 Down - Jay Sean. Not my choice, as I was lost in a whiteout) and summertime (May 22, 2020. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. 2. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. As the summit of San Antonio draws closer, the geography turns from sparse vegetation and greenery to the starkness of small rocks, gravel and what the surface of the moon must look like. For those who havent crossed the backbone, the views are superb! 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 When reaching the summit we will take a longer break depending on the temperature and wind. San Antonio was right across the street. Approx 14 Miles. However, be wary that trails are hard to follow on the stone surface, and taking the wrong one may necessitate steep backtracking. Over half of this trail is partially or fully-exposed to the sun. : 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? (When this trail is covered in ice and snow, you need crampons and an ice axe.). If you follow the ridge up, you will find several class 4 climbs. 2.8 miles: The trail reaches the summit. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. Walk past the locked gate of Falls Road and follow the dirt road for almost 2 miles to the ski lodge. Do not do this hike in the winter unless you are a mountaineer with alpine meadows ice/snow travel experience. 2.6 miles: After the Ski Hut, the trail reaches the ridge and ascends to the summit. Double Peak Mountain, San Marcos , CA 07/04/2017 : Hiker Therapy, Beach Hike! Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. Riding the Sugar Pine Chair Lift up 1,500 at a cost of $25. After spotting Mt. 3. San Antonio also offers the chance for the group to consult with one another as to the best route down the mountain. Rated 5 / 5. In season, there may be many cars parked here, but there is ample parking space. GEAR REQUIREMENTS: WATER (at least 3 liters). Located in the Angeles National Forest, Mt. I hiked Mt. Manchester Preserve an Island of Natural Beauty, Health Benefits of Hiking ! From the Notch, you can cheat and take the ski lift down. Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead. I must say not bad for first timers. Mt. In 7.2 miles, go past Mt. Find out more about hiking levels here: 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. Drive 2.3 miles to the Mt. At the end of Falls Road, the path makes a big U-turn at San Antonio Falls. After a few hundreds yard, the trail will cross the left slope of the ridge and arrive on the south slope of Mt. 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. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. 0.46 miles: At the junction sign Round Valley 2 , turn right and hike along Long Valley Creek. 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. It traverses a ridge-top trail at the summit of Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains. 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 Cheddar Poppers. 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. Mount Baldy and the Devil's Backbone has been on my to do list ever since my husband and I moved to Los Angeles. 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. Baldy. Difficulty: Strenuous. The Baldy Bowl appears on the left and the trail to the summit with patches of leftover snow straight ahead. Sometimes, you slide your body on the edge of a rock hanging over the swallowing precipice. Mountain Ave. will turn into Mt Baldy Road and dead end into the Ski Area Parking lot. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. For me just seeing the splendor of the surrounding mountains, including in the distance, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto both higher than Mt. NOTE: Well be driving from Subway to the hike Manker Flats trail head. Harwood, Mt. We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike youre not ready for. We continued our winding descent through this beautiful mountain scenery. Be prepared for the cold, snow, ice and with proper sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.). Whitney or Half Dome. Hardwood, and down past the ski resort to the valley floor. He was very much intrigued with my son Sam, interestingly same name, his life and his motivation to climb Mt. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for your vehicle while parked the the trailhead. 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. The last stretch is a steep loose rock. San Antonio and back! 3.3 miles: Turn around when reaching West Baldy. Gaiters (optional) 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. The other thing I wanted to do at the summit is find the coveted MT SAN ANTONIO BALDY 10,064 plaque and have my picture taken with my son standing hovering over it. From here, you can enjoy views of the other high peaks of the back range of the San Gabriel Mountains. We recommend purchasing an annual pass ($30) and a second vehicle pass for an additional $5, which totals $35 for two annual passes. 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. 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 will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. We continue on and as we do my son announces his need to climb one of the 40-foot ski lift pylons. Having said that let the adventure begin! #1We are going to the summit of Mt. 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. Just stay on the access road until you reach a four-way junction; then look up the road to the left and you'll see the ski lodge. : The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. Road will dead end into the ski area parking lot. Each of the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain. @ Mt. Baldy! 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Dan's 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. Make a right on Padua Avenue and continue for 1.8 miles. He is most certainly at the peak facing Westward. He does the same, and as we do, the emotions of the day take over and I choke up as my son says. 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. Pretty much snow all the way up beyond the ski-hut, recommend crampons/microspikes and an early start when the pack is somewhat firm. 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. Or climb Mt. 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. "I love deadlines. There is no source of water after you pass the Notch Restaurant and the ridge is almost always windy and exposed to sun. The trail begins on a fire road. Many people opt to park at the ski area parking and take the first ski lift up to Baldy Notch. Baldy and Mt. 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.. 2.2 miles: Reconnect to the path to Baldy. You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. My 666th review fittingly goes to. 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! Baldy Road. 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. For example, the Hiking 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. Occasionally, there is live music at the Notch, such as Elevated Solstices reggae and roots rock lineup. Gloves The Devils Backbone Trail is about 6.5 miles each way. Exercise and Addiction 12 Good Reasons Go To take A Hike! ), 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. Baldy in the Summer #mtbaldy #mtsanantonio #hiking #mountainclimbing #sixpackofpeaks #socalhiking #socal #solohiker #femalehiker #outdoors". In the summer, the loose and slippery scree is treacherous. Baldy. San Antonio. 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. The trail starts near two porta-potties at a dirt road junction at Manker Flat. 13 miles round trip. The Devils Backbone trail can be dangerous in winter months. Even before making the trek across the backbone, its fear factor kicks in big time! Find homes for sale, market statistics, foreclosures, property taxes, real estate news, agent reviews, condos, neighborhoods on Blockshopper.com San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. Above the Ski Hut, the trail hits a rocky patch. San Antonio. 76. If you wish to look us up on map quest you can use 6700 Mt Baldy Road CA 91759. San Antonio trail is considered the mother of all hikes and one that is a must on the bucket list of hiking trails! Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. As we hiked the trail we came across the hiker who had taken a picture of my son and I on the summit. After doing this hike I now know why people climb mountains, the sense of accomplishment is beyond words! 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. 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. It follows the access road for about 2 miles to the group of buildings at the top of the first ski lift. Devil's Backbone Trail Area Status: Closed The Devil's Backbone Trail is currently CLOSED until further notice. Baldy, claiming many lives during winter. Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. 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! Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. If you happen to find it, please email me at dr_feng@yahoo.com. A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. Mt Baldy and Devils Backbone Trail Report May 31st, 2020, return via Sierra Ski Hut Trail. Start: Devils Backbone Trail connects Baldy Notch with the peak, and is 2.8 miles long with 2,269 of elevation gain. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. San Diego, CA. In 1.8 miles, turn right onto Mt. When on Baseline go west, to Monte Vista/Padua Ave. This can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Baldy Village for $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. Woodson, itself just over 2000 feet in elevation. (an Aerobic Excersize), How Hiking can Kill Anxiety, Depression and Build Resistance, Rattlesnakes on San Diego County Hiking Trails, This Vet Overcame His PTSD By Hiking 12 US National Parks, Why Hiking is the Perfect Mind and Body Soul Workout. After crossing the spring, a spur trail leads to the Ski Hut by the base of the Baldy Bowl.