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. We went in regular gym clothes, not knowing that we were in for a surprise. Harwood, Mt. Turn left on the trail and head west toward 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. This trail is for hiking. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. The Devils Backbone Trail is about 6.5 miles each way. We did it Dad! We made it! stopping along the way to take it all in, not to mention to rest. --Douglas Adams, Images However they give very complicated directions and we dont recommend that you use them. @ Mt. I recommend the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail, which has a sign along the way down that says Baldy Bowl Trail, for a descent route. 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! 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. : We took in the picturesque view and sounds of the falls for a second time, and as we continued on, off in the distance we started to see Mt. Or climb Mt. I added the Register Ridge Variation to the Baldy Notch Route page. There was only one other hiker on the trail and she strode past us pretty quickly. This hike was on my must conquer list for a while! Multiple fatalities here- people losing footing and sliding down several hundred feet bouncing offf rocks and trees. There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. 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. The gentler access road is to the left of this trail, and it snakes up the ridge rather than going straight up. Distance: 6.6 miles (out and back) Soon we heard the rushing water of San Antonio Falls, a yearly flowing waterfall. Gloves Apparently an 11.2-mile hike is not enough for his 22-year-old body! There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. Cheddar Poppers. 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 Baldy Notch - Devil's Backbone Trail Both hikes depart from Manker Flats and can be combined into one scenic and challenging 11.3-mile loop with 3,900 feet of elevation gain. Both the Devil's Backbone and Baldy Bowl trails end relatively in the same location, so a loop is possible. Judging from trail wear, most people go straight up a steeper ski slope. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. He had done this hike many times before, appeared very experienced, and was kind enough to hike with us to show us the proper route to take back down. 11/20/2020 Lauren C. I summited Mt. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. The Trail is Open and its a heck of a climb!Saw a Bobcat on the way up too! Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. 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. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. The higher altitude and easy access makes it a popular training hike for Whitney (or in my case, the John Muir Trail). All Rights Reserved. San Antonio was right across the street. Mt Baldy Trail: My neighbor, Jose, standing on a large rock outcrop near the end of the Devil's Backbone section of the trail. six smoked, skin-on 1st and 2nd joint wings with choice of bar-b-q sauce. The narrow trail climbs north straight up the side of San Antonio Canyon. Riding the Mt. We can carpool/caravan fromthe meeting point. This is the time well be getting together at the meeting location. 40 Likes, TikTok video from kepurba (@kepurba): "Part 4: Hiking Mt. ), 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. Just did this hike yesterday. Fee/Book a Session Coaching Sessions: Telehealth, Park, or Trail Hikes I know it says its open for hikers and dogs, but Im wondering about the Mount Baldy ski lift and if dogs are allowed on it? We even saw the ridge line of the Devils Backbone, which leads to the Baldy summit. Hand Warmers (Optional) Coaching Sessions: Telehealth, Park, or Trail, POPS TAKE US TO THE TOP An Amazing Father and Son Adventure Coated in Love, Mental Health, Crisis (including hotlines), and Recovery Resources, How Hiking Supports Mental, Physical, and Recovery Health: Articles and Resources, numerous trails to the top of Mt. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. But it always seemed to get pushed off -- due to bad weather, brush fires in the. Not far from Los Angeles, this trail is heavily trafficked. GETTING THERE: As there are a few routes to take, we choose the Ski Hut trail back down. Gold-seekers originally established the trail to the summit in San Gabriel Canyon. The Notch also has 600 zip lines that are 70 above the ground. There is another similar windbreak in a much more protected location along the trail below the summit. Soon we were hearing the roar of San Antonio Falls, the same falls we had first encountered on our ascent. Find out more about hiking levels here: Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. 1 photo. The trail is made up of compact gravel and is very wide. Follow the Devils Backbone Trail. The Baldy Village. We continue on and as we do my son announces his need to climb one of the 40-foot ski lift pylons. The views are unreal! HIKE NAME: Mt. Mt. Baldy. Trailhead, September 2012. I would call this segment of the Devils Backbone Ridge Camino of Death, or Camino de la muerte, because of its perils, charms, and sheer beauty. GEAR CHECKLIST: Located in the Angeles National Forest, Mt. The fire road ends at the Devil's Backbone, and it is a trail from there on up to the summit. San Antonio (Baldy) Trail, Incredible Experience! This man is totally amazing, never mind for a 74 year old, but for anyone who takes on Mt. It follows the access road for about 2 miles to the group of buildings at the top of the first ski lift. Start: Devils Backbone Trail connects Baldy Notch with the peak, and is 2.8 miles long with 2,269 of elevation gain. I'm sure it will be usefull. Park at Manker Flat. I recommend the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail, which has a sign along the way down that says Baldy Bowl Trail, for a descent route. My 666th review fittingly goes to. 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. And/or the 10 FWY. Approx 14 Miles. Jacket (Must be familiarthe layering system) Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass. Upon gaining the ridgeline, there is a mile-long final push to the top of the summit. Harwood, continuing toward a saddle between Mt Baldy and Mt Harwood. This hike represented for me the epitome of what a hike can provide as far as the mental and physical challenges and benefits. Baldy via Devil's Backbone and it was an amazing experience! REAL TRAIL NAME: Mt Baldy Summit from The Notch via Devils Backbone Trail *** THIS PAGE IS NOT UP TO DATE *** HIKE DATE: Sunday, October 16, 2010. Was extremely windy yesterday, but . Harwood, to the summit. Turn left on Baseline Road. The Devil's 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. Baldy is one of the most prominent mountains with some amazing 360 degree views over Southern California. (10,064) elevation. 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. If you do this climb after all of the snow has melted, bring plenty of water, since there are no water sources until you get down to the SA Ski Hut, where there is a small run-off stream. 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. Head back to Baldy Notch. Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at 10,064 feet and is the highest point of the San Gabriel Mountains. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! Road will dead end into the ski area parking lot. Hes 74 and does this twice a week, I say hes the motivation! Mount San Antonio is known as Baldy because there are no trees on the bare southern face of the mountain. As we hiked the trail we came across the hiker who had taken a picture of my son and I on the summit. 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. For those who havent crossed the backbone, the views are superb! And in fact, I included Baldy as peak #3 in my Six-Pack of Peaks progressive training series. (2). Harwood on your way to Mt. NOTE: Well be driving from Subway to the hike Manker Flats trail head. Follow the Mt Baldy Rd. An Adventure Pass parking permit. Be prepared if this is your plan. This is a remarkably narrow rising ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side, connecting Baldy Notch to the summit. 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. It was very hard for us because we do not go prepared at all! From the trail-head start to this point we covered the 3.6 miles in two hours with an elevation gain of 2000 ft. From Baldy Notch you get a very clear, vivid and quite frankly intimidating view of your destination, the ridge line of the Devils Backbone and off in the distance the summit of Mt. This is the third of six southern California summits in what is called the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. Hiking an additional 2.3 miles from the parking lot at the base of the ski lift. MEETING LOCATION: Burger King (Parking Lot) Devil's Backbone. Even though the view was incredible it was windy and frightening. 910 N. Mountain Ave Anytime you are reading about something called the Devils Backbone and its drop offs on either side of the trail at 9000 plus feet, its time to stop researching, I decided to stop researching! (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. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? Baldy in the Summer Part 4 Down - Jay Sean. DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. Drive 2.3 miles to the 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. Baldy is the highest peak in San Gabriel Mountains and the highest point in Los Angeles County. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. It is quite an experience, even a spiritual one, to be on the summit of this magnificent mountain. Baldy, the highest point in Los Angeles County. 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 Wilso. The views are spectacular, the hiking is strenuous! Via Ski Hut, return Backbone; Hike 7-22-07; 100 photos on my Flickr. 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). This is intended for hikers who havehiked with us on a Level 7 hike or higher . Follow any of the ski runs west to the top or the ski area boundry. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. 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. Aurelia Squire Harwood was a conservationist, educator, and first female President of the Sierra Club. Peak Elevation: 10,064 At one point the trail branches off and down into a valley. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. From here, you can enjoy views of the other high peaks of the back range of the San Gabriel Mountains. It traverses a ridge-top trail at the summit of Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains. San Antonio Devil's Backbone Ridge - Camino of Death, Images San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. You can take the Old Baldy Trail, the Ski Hut Trail, or the Devils Backbone. Display an adventure pass on your car at the trailhead. As we trekked along our buddy Sam that we met on the summit called out our names and soon was striding past us and down the trail. Hiking Boots/Shoes withgood grip (Required) It Come with free parking for lift tickets customers. Baldy Ski Lifts parking lot. Double Peak Mountain, San Marcos , CA 07/04/2017 : Hiker Therapy, Beach Hike! Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. by Mark | May 26, 2012 | Hikes & Trails!, Hiking Trails. As you descend to the east, the route splinters into several steep use trails. Gaiters (optional) Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Devil's Backbone. Baldy) via the Devil's Backbone is classic for hikers on the San Gabriel Mountains where Mt. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. Even before making the trek across the backbone, its fear factor kicks in big time! Baldy is its first peak. Besides a hearty breakfast, I would highly suggest an early start when doing this hike, not only due to the time it takes to complete but if you are attempting this hike in the summer months it can and does get hot. Devil's Backbone, Mt. Baldy. 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. Baldy is its first peak. We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike youre not ready for. Baldy. Follow the Devil's Backbone Trail. Thermos (underlayer to keep warm Optional) These are horseshoe-shaped piles of stone that are just high enough (2-3 feet) to protect campers from the wind. My legs were weathering the hike fairly well, it was my feet that were taking the pounding and definitely felt every mile we have done to this point. All Rights Reserved. As we hiked along he told us of hikers who take this route in the winter months, hiking through the snow. San Diego, CA. The beauty of the near and far mountains and canyons is magnificent! From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. However, the fear turns to exhilaration mixed with vast shots of adrenaline, not too mention for me a spiritual awakening! As we approached the San Gabriel Mountains we saw off in the distance the ominous silhouette of Mt. How far is the devils backbone trail from manker flat and whats the elevation gain, Hi everyone, I wanted to share my more extensive experience hiking the Baldy Notch -> Devils slide as an out-and-back, including what I learned, what I wish I knew before, and how to prepare for the best experience on the mountain Check it out, here: https://metropolitanmolly.com/2021/06/14/hiking-mount-baldy-how-to-successfully-conquer-the-tallest-mountain-in-the-angeles-national-forest-summer-edition/, Your email address will not be published. The feeling of accomplishment is like none other! Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. Either route there is no gas station once you exit the freeway. You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. After he conquers the pylon we continue on to Baldy Notch and soon arrive. For me just seeing the splendor of the surrounding mountains, including in the distance, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto both higher than Mt. 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After a few hundreds yard, the trail will cross the left slope of the ridge and arrive on the south slope of Mt. Objective: Summit Mt. 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. Hiking is like mindfulness which teaches us to experience that which we are doing right now! By now the legs and lungs have grown accustomed to the steady ascent and hanging in there very well.