Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

Since I live a lot closer to Baldy then San Jacinto I figured I would take the different trails up that in preperation for the next time I attempt C2C. Does anyone have a trail that they really enjoy? And may be why? Or just some general info about the trails, thank you

stobbart wrote:Since I live a lot closer to Baldy then San Jacinto I figured I would take the different trails up that in preperation for the next time I attempt C2C. Does anyone have a trail that they really enjoy? And may be why? Or just some general info about the trails, thank you

BEAR FLAT TRAIL!!!!

You park in front of the Visitor Center and start hiking from there. If you start hiking before 5 am, alone, you will have the best experience ever! Too much advance advice and info I think would spoil it. Just go! ALONE!

stobbart wrote:Since I live a lot closer to Baldy then San Jacinto I figured I would take the different trails up that in preperation for the next time I attempt C2C. Does anyone have a trail that they really enjoy? And may be why? Or just some general info about the trails, thank you

There are very many discussions of Baldy and all of its approaches on the San Gabriel Mountains Discussion Forum.

My favorite route is the north backbone (aka "The Real Backbone"). You can access the trail from the Blue Ridge road. It is dirt and often closed at that point. I like starting with the Acorn Trial in Wrightwood. Jog to the left at the top (the Blue Ridge road) to access the trail up Pine Mountain, Dawson Peak, and then Baldy. Lots of up and down, good and steep in many places, and definitely not crowded.

I agree with FightOn. (not necessarily with the going by yourself at 5am part) The Bear Canyon trail is a great challenge.

A little bit of advice doesn't hurt: be sure to bring an ice axe and crampons in the winter and spring.

Perry wrote:A little bit of advice doesn't hurt: be sure to bring an ice axe and crampons in the winter and spring.

You just had to spoil it, didn't you.

sounds like my type of hike. Though i will not do it alone. What is the mileage and any extra advice? Also I will go sometime in April, anyone want to join me?

stobbart wrote:sounds like my type of hike. Though i will not do it alone. What is the mileage and any extra advice? Also I will go sometime in April, anyone want to join me?

It's around six miles up. Then you can go back two other main trails. The Backbone to the Notch or to Manker Flats via the Ski Hut Trail. Hitching a ride back to your car is very easy. Everyone I've met is very friendly. You could car pool.
I like to park right in front of the Baldy Visitor Center. If you don't have an Adventure Pass they will not give you a ticket if you park directly in front of the rock wall in the parking spaces. Then I go past the white gate on the left side, then there is a little dirt trail that goes to the left. Follow that and hop another gate to find a paved road just beyond, then to up that to the right and follow it to it's end where the trail starts winding up and up. You should take a map and study it before you go because there are a few forks along the way. I get butterflies in my stomach when ever I hear anyone bring it up. Even when you posted the topic I got excited!
You gotta get a head start before the 80 year olds catch up to you and pass you up!
The main reason to start early like before the sun comes up is because a lot of the trail climbs up an east facing slope. If you start after the sun comes up you really get baked and burnt up.
It's also neat to walk up that paved road in the dark when the houses have their lights on. So quite.
And by time the sun finally does come up it's just so amazing to find where you are! Wow! If you are alone the last half of the hike is really REALLY amazing, Well it is to me at anyway.
If you aren't going to go alone then go with someone that hasn't hiked it before or go with someone that has that will let you lead.
I won't go on it until enough of the snow is gone that I can safely walk without any chance of slipping on ice. The Backbone Trail has a few sections that are very dangerous if ice is on it.
It's just a hard hike and a lot of hikers don't go that way because it is. Most take the easier ways up. Not many people on it.
All the trails around up there are beyond amazing. This was my first hike in the area so It is special to me.

FIGHT ON wrote: BEAR FLAT TRAIL!!!!

I also like Bear Flat because it is the only trail I have done in sandals.

kevin trieu wrote:

FIGHT ON wrote: BEAR FLAT TRAIL!!!!

I also like Bear Flat because it is the only trail I have done in sandals.

let's a pic of those sandals...