This is a loop hike going up the Ski Hut trail and coming down the Devil’s Backbone trail to Baldy notch.
OPTIONAL lunch at the Notch Restaurant before heading down.
From the notch, there is a 3 mile fire road to walk back to Manker Flats.If you want to take the ski lift down instead, the cost is $10 and you will have to buy tickets in advance for that price at this link,
NOT FOR BEGINNERS. This is a STRENUOUS hike.
OPTION 1: If you are still a “newbie” hiker and want some experience at higher altitudes, you will want to only hike to the Ski Hut and return the same way back to Manker Flats. Total mileage will be approximately 4.6 miles and you should be finished in 4 hours or so. Even though this hike option is shorter, it is still a hard and strenuous hike.
OPTION 2: If you are an advanced / intermediate hiker going to the summit, this will be either an 8 mile or an 11 mile hike.
Distance: 11 miles or 8 miles depending on your choice to walk down from Baldy Notch or take the ski lift down.
Elevation Gain: ~4,000 ft.
Max elevation : 10,064 ft.
Rating: 8/10 Strenuous
Trail: Looped some pavement, fire roads, but mostly single track and rocky trails
ESSENTIALS:
3 Liters of water (Minimum)
Sunscreen
Hat
Snacks
Hiking Poles (Recommended)
Layered clothing (can be windy & chilly at the summit)
Money for ski lift (optional) and grub from The Notch
Check the Weather (http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=91759&searchType=WEATHER)
This is considered a high altitude hike and high altitude sickness, AKA acute mountain sickness, is a possibility. Good Physical health is important. The San Antonio Ski Hut/Baldy Bowl Trail is considered the most direct route to the summit of Mount Baldy (10,064′). This climb is considered strenuous.
As you approach the Manker Flat parking area you will be on a 4 lane road with a wide center divider. Parking is on both sides and in the divider. After you pass the Manker Flat campground on the right, look for Angeles Falls Road. There is access through the divider at this point, so you can turn left and park hopefully closer to the trail head. There is a gate across Angeles Falls road and porta potties. This is the trail head. The road up to Baldy is VERY curvy with VERY tight turns. Anybody who does not like twisty roads with dropoffs should be a passenger!
PLEASE –Know your limits and abilities. Bring and drink plenty of liquids when hiking. Check weather conditions and dress accordingly and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while carrying on a conversation with awesome fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Early Bird Hiking Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Early Bird Hiking Meetup events, you are releasing the Early Bird Hiking and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
As a courtesy to others, we will wear a mask when within 6 ft of another hiker. Hike is cross-posted with Early Bird Hikers