Mount Baldy!
Here We Come!
Sunday - November 26, 2023 @ 8:00 AM
Thanksgiving Sunday Weekend!
Optional Afterward: After an exhilarating day, we will head to
Blaze Pizza in Claremont
to whet our appetite with Pizza and Beer or Soda ($ out of your pocket).
Pictured: Early morning start to Mt. Baldy!
Photos: And away we go - merrily on our way to the green ski hut! Photo from previous GO Mt Baldy hike.
Come with us to San Antonio aka 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 or a National Parks 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.
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From Manker Flats, we will follow the mountain road to San Antonio Falls which flows year round - if you call a 'trickle' a flow. 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.
Pictured: Made it to the Green Ski Hut; taking a break before continuing to the top.
Pictured: After a short break at the Green Ski Hut, the trek continues!
Pictured: Lance, Frederick, Rob, Richard and Rick taking a break prior to tackling the last part of ascending Mt. Baldy! Photo from a previous GO Mt. Baldy hike.
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.
Pictured: Yep, Lance we are above the clouds!
Pictured: Finally at the top!
Pictured: And this is the way down.
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.
Pictured: The troupe start to make our way down the Devil's Backbone. Photo doesn't look steep but it is!
Pictured: Looking back toward the Top of Mount Baldy from Devil's Backbone.
When we reach the Mount Baldy Ski Area lodge, we have a choice to hike down the ski area access road or opt to take the ski chair lift down to our cars at Manker Flats. Total gain/loss is 3,900 feet. Total mileage is 11.25 miles.
Pictured: Robert happy to have accomplished the Mount Baldy Hike!
Pictured: Claudia & Cesar accomplished the Mount Baldy Hike!
Pictured: Rob accomplished the Mount Baldy Hike (again & again)!.jpeg)
Pictured: Wenta accomplished the Mount Baldy Hike!
This is a Challenging hike!
If you have been a moderate hiker, this will be a great hike to take it to the next level. Give it a whirl; we don't go fast and we take plenty of breaks.
Where my Bad Boyz/Gurlz at?
Think you tuff?
Prove it!
Optional Afterward: After an exhilarating day, we will head to
Blaze Pizza in Claremont
to whet our appetite with Pizza and Beer or Soda ($ out of your pocket).
Pictured: Feeling content after some pizza and suds!
An Adventure Pass or a National Parks Pass is required for parking. For Information, click here. 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.
Carpooling: We appreciate carpoolers!
Bring: Ten Essentials, water (2 to 3 liters recommended), lunch/snacks, sun protection, layered clothing depending on the weather/temperature, sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and hiking poles will be helpful.
Carry Emergency Contact Information.
Hiking Requirements - You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, 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.
Trip Leader: Lance Whitmier
President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
Lance states: I am always excited to ascend to Mt. Baldy as it is indeed a workout! However it is extremely satisfying to reach the top and enjoy the glory of conquering the summit along with others! One of my favorite hikes - come join us in this adventure. As a bonus the views are spectacular!
