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Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail

Mount Baldy, California

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

9.7 miles

Elevation Gain

3990 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Charlie Jasper

Enjoy this total and absolute change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles as you head to the top of Mt. San Antonio ("Mt. Baldy). You'll need an adventure pass. This challenging hike will lead past a waterfall, a natural spring, and amazing scenery. Make sure your gear is in good condition before you go.

Mt. San Antonio, or Mt. Baldy as it is known locally, is one of the cans of the challenging "six-pack of peaks" in Southern California.

For this one, start before the Manker campground and head up the fire road. This is known as the "Baldy Bowl or Ski-Hut Trail". You'll see some cabins on your left and will approach a steadily flowing, spring-fed waterfall. Take the turn, and then hit the dirt road, and turn left to go up the Sierra Club Ski-Hut Trail. Keep going up, and break at the hut for lunch. After your break, strike out and walk across the trail to another ascent, and walk up the switchbacks and towards the next ridge and keep going up.

There are a few slightly different routes you can take to get to the top (some shorter/ some longer) as well as jumping on the ski lifts to cut the elevation gain and mileage significantly, so know your limits and what you can handle. Note, this hike, because of its strenuousness and altitude, are not good for people who get altitude sick in airplanes, or who have anxiety. These two factors could cause significant delay to your trip and may create a dangerous situation for everyone.

Once you get to the top, catch your breath, as the view will take it away, and head down the Devil's Backbone to the ski lifts and lodge. At the lodge, you can replenish your water and rest your feet and either take the lifts down, or walk down another mile or so.

When you descend you head eastward and take the Devil's Backbone trail and across a semi-sketchy ridge known as the Baldy Notch. Past this is a dirt road (next to the ski lift) that will take all the way back down passing San Antonio Falls and back to the trailhead.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic
Waterfall

Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail Reviews

This hike is one of the most challenging hikes I have done, But it’s worth it.

This trail was awesome in spring! I went up via the Devil's Backbone trail which was an awesome hike right through the ridge. At an elevation of about 8500', the clouds and the fog start rolling in, giving it an eerie but amazing feel. The incline right before you peak is quite steep and on loose rocks which can be a bit difficult but just take it slow. I would totally recommend doing this hike in spring. In addition, the parking off the road near Manker campground is free if there is no snow present (if there is snow, you need an adventure pass). The trail head is right off that road.

Mt. Baldy is one of the most challenging hikes i've ever done, and my first ever peak out of the 6 pack of peaks in the Los Angeles area. I highly recommend doing this hike early, so you'll have plenty of time to rest in between. Be careful when doing this hike during winter, since there have been deaths caused by slipping on the icy trail.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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