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George Black

Be prepared – bring A LOT of water and plenty of food! If you do the full 13 miles, this will be an all-day hike. This can be strenuous, especially in the summer heat. I did the full hike in late August by myself – big mistake. If you take this trail, always bring someone with you. And pack more water than you think you need. The views are stunning, so it's worth it. If you're looking to get to the top of Mt. Baldy without the big distance, there's a shorter 3 mile trail that you can take. (Ski Hut Trail)

It's literally a mile of stairs that goes straight up. A lot of fun, and a great physical challenge! I'm moderately fit, and was able to make it to the top in a little under an hour. We took some breaks along the way. Also, beware that the incline is very popular; it's almost always full of people (unless you come very early).

Go really early in the day or later in the evening to beat the crowd. We got there at 6:30am and only saw one other person the whole way. If you're physically fit, the hike will go fast. It's two miles to get there, then two miles back. Also, be ready to climb at the very end for a stunning view. If you're afraid of heights, the climb may be intimidating.