OCLB - Mount Baldy Day Hike (rated Difficult)

NOTE:  Due to COVID restrictions, please DO NOT show up for this hike unless you have completed a registration process here and have answered the required COVID questions. Also, do not bring any unregistered guests on this hike.

Great Outdoors Orange County/Long Beach presents

Mount Baldy Day Hike (rated Difficult)

Sunday, November 21, 2021, 8 AM

Contact: Doug Cable, E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (949)922-1452

 Mount Baldy from Mount Ontario

Come with us to Mount Baldy, the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains. We will be leaving from the trailhead at Manker Flats north of the Mount Baldy Village. You will need an Adventure Pass to park. The hike will leave at 8:00 AM. If coming from the west on the 210, exit Baseline Rd. and turn left at the first signal and then right on Padua. Then right on Mt. Baldy Rd. When you come to Manker Flats (the road has a median there, drive to near the end of the median), you can find parking along the road. If you arrive at the ski area, you have gone too far.

From Manker Flats, we will follow the mountain road to San Antonio Falls which flows year round. Continuing on the road, at .six tenths of a mile, we will hit the trail up through San Antonio Canyon. Our next stop will be the Sierra Club's ski hut. After a rest there, we will continue across a rocky area, and then climb up the canyon to a ridge. From there, we will have a steep climb to the summit at 10,064 feet.

On a clear day, it is possible to see as far as the Channel Islands, Mount San Gorgonio, Mount San Jacinto, the Santa Monica Mountains, and far out into the desert.

At the summit, we will enjoy the views. People can eat the lunches that they have brought for the hike. After lunch, we will descend via the Devil's Backbone trail. This is a spectacular trail that descends to the Mount Baldy Ski Area. The trail is a narrow spine with dramatic drop offs on both sides,

When we reach the Mount Baldy Ski Area lodge, we can partake of food and drink in the restaurant for those who wish to do so. Then we will hike down the ski area access road, back to our cars at Manker Flats. (Hikers may also opt to take the chairlift down.) Total gain/loss is 3,900 feet. Total mileage is 11.25 miles.

For this trip, you will need a good pair of hiking boots. This is a difficult trip. You will also need to carry at least three liters of water. Click here to get your ten essentials you will need for the hike. An Adventure Pass is required for parking. For Information, click here. A national park pass also works. Your trip leader will be checking people's supplies to be certain that you are prepared for the hike. There is no fee for this hike.     

Bring: Face mask, Ten Essentials, water (2 to 3 liters recommended), lunch/ snacks, sun protection, layered clothing, hiking poles may be helpful. Carry Emergency Contact Information. Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. 

Hiking Requirements - You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.

Carpooling is not recommended except for members of same household. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation. Arrive a few minutes early for briefing.

Contact hike leader:  [email protected], (949)922-1452

Cancel: If you cannot make a hike for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.

Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.

Registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here 

Clear any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.

Special COVID Related Requirements:

Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:

1. I will follow Federal, State and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the leader.
2. I will maintain social distance (min. 6') and wear a face mask if social distancing is not possible
3. I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.

4. I will contact trip leader if I test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event 

 ‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.