Hike to the summit via the Ski Hut trail and descend via the Backbone trail to the Notch and then via the service road back down to Manker Flats or take the lift, your choice
Bring snacks for the summit and trail.
Advanced Intermediate Hikers. You should have Mt. Baldy Summit experience via the Backbone Trail beforehand.
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/f/2/4/600_449604356.jpeg
Stats:
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: ~4,000 ft.
Max elevation : 10,064 ft.
Rating: 7/10 Strenuous
Trail: Looped some pavement, fire roads, but mostly single track and rocky trails
ESSENTIALS:
2 Liters of water (Minimum)
Sunscreen
Hat
Snacks
Hiking Poles (Recommended)
Layered clothing (can be windy & chilly at the summit)
Check the Weather (http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=91759&searchType=WEATHER)
NOTE:
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 Flats 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 (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun.
***
VHC HIKE RATING SCALE
Rating a hike is subjective, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike and the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces, various obstructions, water and/or water crossings or bouldering and/or rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these!
1 – A long walk
2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain
3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain
4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times)
5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times)
6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR)
7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself)
8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader)
9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities)
10 – Use your imagination
Class 3 Scrambling: Scrambling or un-roped climbing. You must use your hands at times to hold the terrain or find your route. This may be caused by a combination of boulders, steepness and extreme terrain. Some Class 3 routes have ropes in place for assistance.
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 Valencia Hiking Crew 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 Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup events, you are releasing the Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup Group 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.
