Mt. Baldy first time suggestions?

[Florian]

I've never climbed Mt. Baldy and i'm thinking to visit for my first time this week. I checked the Angeles forest web site and looks like there are two trails from the Manker flats area. One goes by San Antonio Falls and the other follows Devil's Backbone trail via Baldy Notch. Would going up one trail and coming down the other make a good loop? Just looking for suggestions and comments from folks that are familiar with the area.

Thanks!

-Florian

[Hikin_Jim]

Florian:

Yes, the two trails make a good loop.

I like going up the trail that goes from Manker Flats to near SA Falls, and then to the Sierra Club Ski Hut, and then to the top. This is sometimes called the Baldy Bowl Trail or Ski Hut Trail. If someone says they're leaving from Manker Flats, this trail is generally what they mean.

I like going down the Baldy Notch route. It's a little easier on the knees, and there's a nice snack shop in Baldy Notch with bathrooms and running water. From Baldy Notch, you can either walk the dirt road (long and boring) back to Manker Flats, or you can take the ski lift down to roads end, and then walk down the road a bit back to Manker Flats and your car. I think it's kind of fun to ride down the ski lift -- nice views since you're facing out on the way down, but some people consider it "cheating." Each to his (or her) own.

HJ

[Florian]

Thanks Jim! Exactly the kind of tips i was looking for. I don't think Baldy is a wilderness so permits are not required. Is that correct?

-Florian

[FIGHT ON]

Thanks Jim! Exactly the kind of tips i was looking for. I don't think Baldy is a wilderness so permits are not required. Is that correct?

-Florian

I'd recommend the Bear Flat Trail from the village. It's longer than the others, about 6 miles up, and starts lower too so it's the hardest of these.
There's less people on it than the others too.
If you have never been there then I HIGHLY recommend it for the first time up.
and if you have the nerve to go alone that would be even better and if you start an hour before the sun comes up then it's so the best!
What an adventure!
Then you can go down another way and shuttle or hitch a ride back to your car!

[Florian]

I'd recommend the Bear Flat Trail from the village.

Thanks for the suggestion, Fight On. I think i might keep to one of the shorter routes this time but will certainly consider the other route for future visits.

-Florian

[Hikin_Jim]

Thanks Jim! Exactly the kind of tips i was looking for. I don't think Baldy is a wilderness so permits are not required. Is that correct?

-Florian

Correct.

[Hikin_Jim]

Here's a topo map of the Mt. Baldy area. Hope it's helpful.

A = The start of the service road in Manker Flats. Go up this road toward San Antonio Falls. The road will switchback as it approaches the falls. Stay on the road.
B = The road will turn a corner and go along the S face of the ridge here.
C = A bit beyond the turn, look for a trail leading left up the high side of the road.
D = You'll come to a metal trail register here on a post. This just confirms you're on the correct hike. There is an alternate route that proceeds from here, but save that for another trip.
E = The ski hut. You should be able to see the hut periodically as you ascend. The map shows the trail ending at the ski hut. This is incorrect. The trail turns left (west) here and traverses across Baldy Bowl. There is water generally available either in the ski hut or a nearby spring.
F = Approximate location of the trail as it traverses across Baldy Bowl. The trail can be faint in spots, but keep your eyes open; it's definitely followable.
G = The trail will gain the south ridge of Baldy at approximately this point. Now all you have to do is essentially head up the ridge to point "H."
H = The summit of Mt. Baldy and the highest point in LA County.
I = Harwood-Baldy Saddle. Head down the trail that goes down the E ridge of baldy to the saddle, then follow the trail around Mt. Harwood to the next point:
J = The Devil's Backbone. Interesting very narrow section of the trail on a knife edged ridge. Intimidating for some, but not bad at all for an experienced hiker -- except in winter.
K = Eventually the trail turns to a road. The road(s) here in reality don't look like the topo. If you toggle to Satellite view, I think you'll get a better idea of what's there. Essentially, all you have to do is to follow the ridge down to:
L = Baldy Notch. There is a trail sign here under a tree on the south side of the notch. From the notch, proceed to:
M = The snack shop! You can rest, re-hydrate and what not here. From here, you can take the ski lift to:
N = The bottom of the ski lift and road's end. From "N," simply walk back to your car.

Alternatively, if you'd rather not take the ski lift, simply follow the service road from "M" back to your car at "A".

HTH,

HJ

[Florian]

Here's a topo map of the Mt. Baldy area. Hope it's helpful.

Wow! Thanks for the detailed map and descriptions Jim! I do have TOPO software and pretty much figured out the route but your annotations are great and very helpful. I'm thinking to go Wednesday (tomorrow) if anyone would like to join me.

-Florian

[Zé]

If you have never been there then I HIGHLY recommend it for the first time up.
and if you have the nerve to go alone that would be even better and if you start an hour before the sun comes up then it's so the best!
What an adventure!

and if you don't go this way, FO will be highly disappointed in you!

[FIGHT ON]

If you have never been there then I HIGHLY recommend it for the first time up.
and if you have the nerve to go alone that would be even better and if you start an hour before the sun comes up then it's so the best!
What an adventure!

and if you don't go this way, FO will be highly disappointed in you!

no. you just blew it. forever. and he still can do it. you can't! ever!