The photo is taken pointing towards West Baldy. The Devils Backbone trail can be dangerous in winter months. At the end of Falls Road, the path makes a big U-turn at San Antonio Falls. https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events, ELEVATION GAIN: 3,900 ft. with top Elevation of 10,068, MEETING LOCATION:Subway (Same plaza and parking lot as the Vons)594 E Baseline Rd.Claremont, CA 91711. Keep your eye on the prize and when needed the trail! Make a left at Falls Road. After a few hundreds yard, the trail will cross the left slope of the ridge and arrive on the south slope of Mt. : Baldy! The camaraderie of joining a select few who have hiked to the summit of Mt. Sierra Club Ski Hut Trek Highlights. Turn left again at Mt. --Douglas Adams, Images This hike is all about the psychological. Follow the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail route as if you are heading up to the Ski Hut. Many choose to cut uphill in a narrow switchback pattern to ensure their footing. http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/, HIKE RSVP: 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. Baldy: 1 - The Devil's Backbone trail approaches the summit from the east. This is intended for hikers who havehiked with us on a Level 7 hike or higher . Dan's Mt. San Diego, CA. Even before making the trek across the backbone, its fear factor kicks in big time! 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! Please note, that we have high, experienced expectations for Level 9hikers. If he wasnt taking everyones picture with his own camera, he was offering us Korean foods he had brought to the summit with him as snacks. Make sure you stick to the ridgeline trail via the saddle to West Baldy, as the Bear Canyon Trail to Baldy Village loses too much elevation. I am not sure about the chairlift regulations. Whitney. Level: Hard; Distance: 14 miles (out and back) Elevation gain: 4269 ft; Time: 8.5 hours; Being part of the ascent up Mount Baldy, Devil's Backbone is an especially challenging trail to hike and should only be done by experienced hikers. Microspikesor IceTrekkers, shoe chain traction (Highly recommended) The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is a great spot for refueling. (Instructions for making a reservation when the Ski Hut is open, can be found here.). This is a good training for anyone preparing for more advanced hikes such as Mt. Exit Baseline Road, Claremont from the 210 FWY only. I added the Register Ridge Variation to the Baldy Notch Route page. Located in the Angeles National Forest, Mt. University of Missouri-St. Louis Libraries. During our time on the summit there were five others that we met. After a good nights sleep we set out at 7:30am. Hes 74 and does this twice a week, I say hes the motivation! Hardwood, and down past the ski resort to the valley floor. When on Baseline go west, to Monte Vista/Padua Ave. Turn right to stay on Mt. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. Dogs are allowed on most trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, but that doesnt mean that this hike is suitable for most dogs. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. As we hiked along he told us of hikers who take this route in the winter months, hiking through the snow. As there are a few routes to take, we choose the Ski Hut trail back down. On a hot day this road can be quite hot and exposed so bring sunscreen! DEVIL'S BACKBONE - 198 Photos & 61 Reviews - Hiking - 6777 Mt Baldy Rd, Mount Baldy, CA - Yelp Devil's Backbone 61 reviews Unclaimed Hiking See 201 photos Third Stream Falls Old Baldy Ice House Canyon Trail Mount Baldy San Antonio Falls Iron Mountain Via Heaton Flats Mount Baden-Powell Trail Lake Gregory Regional Park Sunset Peak Hike This is a remarkably narrow rising ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side, connecting Baldy Notch to the summit. Trekking Poles, FOR COLDER SEASONS: I am constantly reminded how much a hike is done one step at a time, much like in life, we are only given one-step or one day at a time! (10,064) elevation. The trail continues its 2.7-mile ascent up to Baldy Notch. There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. After doing this hike I now know why people climb mountains, the sense of accomplishment is beyond words! Look for a rusted register box on the right side of the trail. 11/20/2020 Lauren C. I summited Mt. Connecting with the same path we started on some 9 hours ago and seeing the white gate that signified the beginning of our journey brought with it a very satisfying feeling that we had completed what we had set out to do, hike to the summit of Mt. Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for . 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. In 1.8 miles, turn right onto Mt. Baldy Photo Presentations: Hike 6-12-04 28 photos with captions. Was extremely windy yesterday, but . Follow the Devil's Backbone Trail. There is no source of water after you pass the Notch Restaurant and the ridge is almost always windy and exposed to sun. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1a4b715ba3ed8c654c79b92916eaa98a. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. He does the same, and as we do, the emotions of the day take over and I choke up as my son says. 16 Miles. Hiking an additional 2.3 miles from the parking lot at the base of the ski lift. Above the Ski Hut, the trail hits a rocky patch. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Otherwise, the way back is a wide and level fire road back to the trailhead. Harwood, to the summit. If you have them, gaiters will help keep snow out of your socks/show opening. I started to notice something else as we ascended towards the backbone, I realized how much I was in the moment on this hike, how I hadnt thought about the regular concerns of the day, lifes worries, the what ifs and the I should of, would of could ofs that most of us contemplate in our daily lives. At the final push up the mountain three hikers who were just starting the descent from the summit of Mt. Or climb Mt. What is Hiker Therapy and how did it evolve? Apparently an 11.2-mile hike is not enough for his 22-year-old body! San Antonio trail is considered the mother of all hikes and one that is a must on the bucket list of hiking trails! WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. Coming from the Register Ridge Trail you can go to the right and head down the D.BBone to the ski lodge then back to Manker Flats. Good description of hiking Mt Baldy via the Devils Backbone Trail. Wool (Hiking) Socks. I hiked Mt. The one-way cost may be the same as round trip. From the Notch, you can cheat and take the ski lift down. Baldy) 43,120 views Oct 11, 2015 138 Dislike Share Prouisorsapientiae 6.65K subscribers This section of Devil's Backbone Trail is. The trail is wide and right away gets your heart pumping as the road begins a steady incline ascent. San Antonio as a loop route with some friends. And/or the 10 FWY. Baldy. MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? Harwood, Mt. Hiking Mt. More. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. Harwood, Mt. Difficulty: Strenuous. When I first considered doing this hike with my son, I must admit that the intimidation factor was high and did not lessen the more I researched this hike. Difficulty: Strenuous. Dont let it intimidate you. From there, you walk down the rest of the ridge and meet the normal Devils Backbone Trail on your left, continuing to traverse Mt. 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. San Antonio (Baldy) Trail, Incredible Experience! And, reflection of sun from snow can cause sunburn as well. Harwood. Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! Lake Calavera Preserve: Carlsbad, CA.10/08/2020, Iron Mountain, Poway CA 01/31/2020 Hiker Therapy, Monserate Mountain Preserve, Fallbrook Land Conservancy, 03/06/2019 Hiker Therapy, Oakzanita Peak via East Mesa Fire Road Trail: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, East Mesa Trailhead 01/10/2019 Hiker Therapy, Ramona Grasslands County Preserve; Ramona. Be prepared for the cold, snow, ice and with proper sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.). You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. All of a sudden, you can see Baldy Notch. These are horseshoe-shaped piles of stone that are just high enough (2-3 feet) to protect campers from the wind. Incorporating the Ski Hut Trail into a loop would shave off about 2.5 miles. My son and I both commented how this part of the adventure had been the toughest which I attribute to the fact that we had been hiking for nearly 9 miles, with a little more than two to go. 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. Baldy. But I must say, even though the hike to the top was very difficult. Elevation Gain: 2,369 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. San Antonio also offers the chance for the group to consult with one another as to the best route down the mountain. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California 0.46 miles: At the junction sign Round Valley 2 , turn right and hike along Long Valley Creek. DOG FRIENDLY? Both the Devil's Backbone and Baldy Bowl trails end relatively in the same location, so a loop is possible. 06/14/2014, Coming Soon: Short and Steep but what a view!Mt Woodson from Hwy 67 Fire Station3/15/14, Hell Hole Canyon, Valley Center, CA: 01/31/2014, A top 5 Hike!Volcan Mountain Wildlife Preserve, Julian California, Hike the HIghest Peak in the City of San Diego: Cowles Mountain, Santa Ysabel Preserve East, Julian, CA: Back Country Hiking Hiker Therapy, Monserate Mountain Preserve Fallbrook, CA Hiker Therapy, Calavera Mountain: Lake Calavera Preserve, Tri-City Area, San Diego North County, Cedar Creek Falls Hike, Julian, CA 03/29/2013 Hiker Therapy, Urban Hike: Seven (7) Bridges San Diego Hiker Therapy, Hybrid Hike: Iron Mountain/Ellie Lane Trail. Pretty much snow all the way up beyond the ski-hut, recommend crampons/microspikes and an early start when the pack is somewhat firm. Much like life this trail has lots of ups and downs and is done one step at the time. The elevation gain is the same as the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail and the distance is probably about the same. 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. Harwood (0.2 miles further). HIKE LEAD: TBA. Baldy and Mt. Baldy Road. Some people choose to start hiking from here and hike straight up beneath the ski lifts, but this trail is unnecessarily steep and loose, and signs warn that the parking lot gate is locked at 6:30pm. Maybe you'd like to add it as a new route. Park at Manker Flat. stopping along the way to take it all in, not to mention to rest. The path dips before rejoining the Backbone for one last climb up the switchbacks to the top of Baldy. 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. Mountain Ave. will turn into Mt Baldy Road and dead end into the Ski Area Parking lot. San Antonio and back! The Devil's Backbone is the sharp ridge extending due east from the summit of Mt. 1.0 mile: At the junction, turn left up the steep Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl trail). For me just seeing the splendor of the surrounding mountains, including in the distance, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto both higher than Mt. Follow any of the ski runs west to the top or the ski area boundry. Baldy in the Summer Part 4 Down - Jay Sean. Make a right on Padua Avenue and continue for 1.8 miles. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! San Gabriel Mountains. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. Turn right onto Mt. In fact the first 1.5 miles down the mountain proved much more hazardous than the previous 6.8 miles up as I lost my footing twice. Wish we had stuff like this in Minnesota! I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." Baldy Road and drive for 11.5 miles past Mt. Start: Begin at Falls Road and head past the gate. 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. We then follow the ski run next to the ski lift and then hike the Devils Backbone to the summit. Even though the view was incredible it was windy and frightening. You are fully responsible for yourself. Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! This can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Baldy Village for $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. HIKE NAME: Mt. Ohhh Mt. Do not do this hike in the winter unless you are a mountaineer with alpine meadows ice/snow travel experience. However, as our Sierra Club friend pointed out, a few of these hikers got lost due to the snow covering the trail and have died due to exposure to the elements while being lost in the wilderness of the valley. We ask her if she would like to join us, she does, but not too far along the trail she says she doesnt think she is going to make it, and turns back. The last stretch is a steep loose rock. Another perk of climbing to the summit of Baldy, is the camaraderie you enjoy with total strangers who share only one thing in common to this point, hiking to the summit of Mt. Harwood. : No. Dynamite work ethic however with a warm customer service specialty! Get to there via the 210 FWY. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level. San Antonio greet us. It Come with free parking for lift tickets customers. Hike-ability level:Difficultbut doable! Drive 2.3 miles to the Mt. Sam, the 74 year old, was also very impressed with our hiking sticks, two pine poles that my Son had carved from a past Christmas tree as well as a Torrey Pine branch he had found! Having said that let the adventure begin! There is another similar windbreak in a much more protected location along the trail below the summit. Walk past the locked gate of Falls Road and follow the dirt road for almost 2 miles to the ski lodge. Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes or Snow Shoesgood grip (Required) The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is in a perfect place to rest and refuel. Adding microspikes to your shoes will help in keep best traction with snow (highly recommended). This a broad area is just after the Manker Flat Campground. Devil's Backbone! Manchester Preserve an Island of Natural Beauty, Health Benefits of Hiking ! This is the time well be getting together at the meeting location. Trailhead, September 2012. Devil's Backbone is a trail that stretches along the ridge of the mountain east of the Mt. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. Turn left on Baseline Road. HIKE DATE: Saturday, September 21, 2019 LATH HIKE LEADS: Carol Martinez & Janiece Cordova MEETING TIME: 5:00am - 5:15am Please be on time. 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. Burger King (Parking Lot) Directions to Trailhead. Devil's Backbone, Mt. There is a white gate and blue porta-potty to landmark the start. If you wish to look us up on map quest you can use 6700 Mt Baldy Road CA 91759. To hike the loop: Park along Mount Baldy Road just past Manker Flats Campground at the bottom of Falls Road (0 miles) Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Woodson, itself just over 2000 feet in elevation. Baldy, across neighboring Mt. Lol I thought I was going to do a loop like Claremont.. but I was very wrong. At the summit are several crude rock windbreaks. The views are unreal! The hike to the summit of Mt. If you are not sure what to take on bigger hikers, it is advised that you try a lower level hike so you learn to pack for more strenuous hikes. Via Ski Hut, return Backbone; Hike 7-22-07; 100 photos on my Flickr. At the peak, there are some windbreaks next to the famous metal summit plaque. (You Dont need Forest Recreation Pass)www.mtbaldy.com. 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. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. . 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. Riding the Sugar Pine Chair Lift up 1,500 at a cost of $25. 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? The views are spectacular, the hiking is strenuous! Using the Google Earth "Measure" Function and measuring from a topo map the fire road from Manker Flats to Baldy Notch is about 3.25 miles (one-way). Just did this hike yesterday. HIKE WALKTHROUGH: This is a popular route because it can take advantage of riding the ski lift. Uphills with quickgain, NoBeginners, Intermediate Hikers, No Kids, No Dogs), WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL? Approx 14 miles. Gaiters (optional) 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! HIKE DURATION: 9 hrs. 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. Speaking of right now, the hour of reckoning was here, the anticipated Devils Backbone part of the hike was upon us. The 210 FWY brings you closer to the Mountain and less city driving. Baldy. We decided to ascend on the ski hut trail and come down on the devil's backbone so we can enjoy a loop. When the path levels off, the Devils Backbone Trail becomes a narrow ridgeline spine with significant drop-offs on each side. At one point the trail branches off and down into a valley. Harwood on your way to Mt. Devil's Backbone. DEVIL'S BACKBONE - 199 Photos & 62 Reviews - 6777 Mt Baldy Rd, Mount Baldy, CA - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Devil's Backbone 62 reviews Unclaimed Hiking Edit See 202 photos Write a review Add photo " From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to " in 7 reviews Heres how to incorporate the outdoors, walking and other exercise into therapy in a way thats good for clients and for you. San Antonio! The trailhead is located off of Mount Baldy Road. REAL TRAIL NAME: Mt Baldy Summit from The Notch via Devils Backbone Trail, MEETING TIME: 7:00am -7:20am (Please be there on time), MEETING LOCATION: As we approached the San Gabriel Mountains we saw off in the distance the ominous silhouette of Mt. four fried poppers, mildly spicy jalapeno halves filled with cheddar cheese Baldy! and #2, We are crossing the Devils Backbone to get there!. Not far from Los Angeles, this trail is heavily trafficked. He is most certainly at the peak facing Westward. 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. (When this trail is covered in ice and snow, you need crampons and an ice axe.). From Baldy Notch, you take a very steep trail up towards the beginning of the Devils backbone. After hiking 6.8 miles and nearly 5 hours to ascend Mt. View Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone Image Gallery - 76 Images. What were the tips from pro hikers? There are a number of ways to approach Mount Baldy. Once you reach the lodge, there appear to be several possible routes to the west. A short side trip to San Antonio Falls is worth the minimal effort. (PS: I found that my blue soft water bottle dropped out of my vest after crossing the Mouse Walk and decided not to go back to retrieve it. If you park at the Ski Lift parking lot, you must purchase a $5 parking pass, otherwise, an Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle parked along the roadside. At the end, you climb to the edge of the cliff with a sigh of relief, enjoying the complete vista of the Devils Backbone Ridge. 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. 0.5 miles: At the waterfall lookout, the Baldy fire road begins. Baldy via Devil's Backbone and it was an amazing experience! As an update to the previous information: The Mount Baldy Ski Lift runs 7 days a week and tickets may be booked in advance. Be prepared if this is your plan. The Devil's Backbone connects Mt. This part of the ridge is exposed, narrow, and cluttered with boulders, one of which is over 7 feet tall (in the winter with the accumulation of snow, it is much taller). Objective: Summit Mt. 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. Needless to say we were glad we came across our friend. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. The cost of the lift is $25 round trip for adults, $20 for youths age 13 to 17, $15 for children under 12 (must be at least 40 tall), and $15 for seniors over 65 (prices as of 2018). 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 Gators and eye protection (sunglasses). I was amazing, and we did get tips from pro hikers. The feeling of accomplishment is like none other! Why not combine some of the routes into a big loop? Mt Baldy and Devils Backbone Trail Report May 31st, 2020, return via Sierra Ski Hut Trail. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. And in fact, I included Baldy as peak #3 in my Six-Pack of Peaks progressive training series. This man is totally amazing, never mind for a 74 year old, but for anyone who takes on Mt. (2). Most of the challenge in the descent is presented in the form of very steep terrain with a trail made up of loose gravel, small and large stones and trail dust, or as it is fondly called, Cree.. Please try to have this prior to the day of the hike. Not only was this a great place to camp but also the trail-head start to Mt. I'm sure it will be usefull. Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. Baldy Road somewhat exhausted, but at the same time exhilarated, the thought that entered my mind was that this was one of the, if not the, most mentally and physically demanding experiences I have ever had, I was also thinking that it is one of my lifetime and that I am very grateful I could share this experience with my son. At 10,064 feet above sea level, the snow often sticks around well into June. Riding the Mt. For those who havent crossed the backbone, the views are superb! Baldy. San Antonio (aka Mt Baldy) Loop via Devils Backbone. -Mike. The drive from Encinitas to our destination of the Manker Flats campground in the Angeles National Forest is about 117 miles or 2.5 hours. HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed a LATH hike Level 7+ and up with no problem. six smoked, skin-on 1st and 2nd joint wings with choice of bar-b-q sauce. A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. 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. Baldy Road and find parking on the side of the street above Manker Flat campground. 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. As we approached our campground walking back along Mt. All Rights Reserved. My 666th review fittingly goes to. Make sure you pack an extra water or tablets of electrolytes. Each of the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain. Water. 3. Antonio (Mt. Sometimes, you slide your body on the edge of a rock hanging over the swallowing precipice. Follow the Devils Backbone Trail. The trail begins on a fire road. It is the most dangerous zone on Mt. There is a use trail that goes up to the right, follow this up onto the ridge. The A hike to Mt. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. Thanks for adding this good information. Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. She says she was late to join up with a group of friends at the start of the hike. Once you reach the top of the 2nd ski lift, the trail gets more interesting. From Baldy Notch, the fireroad climbs steeply to the second ski lift, marking the start of the Devils Backbone Trail. Many people opt to park at the ski area parking and take the first ski lift up to Baldy Notch. This hike is the easiest way up to Mt Baldy, however remembers it starts and stays in high elevation, so some people may experience altitude sickness. Comfortable waterproofhiking boots with good grip. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. The most common and the one this Website describes, is to take the ski lift (open on weekends, 8 AM to 5 PM) up to Baldy Notch Ski Lodge and then take the westerly trail over the Devil's Backbone, across the southern side of Mt. After crossing the spring, a spur trail leads to the Ski Hut by the base of the Baldy Bowl. There are steep slopes on both sides of the trail. After he conquers the pylon we continue on to Baldy Notch and soon arrive. This is the third of six southern California summits in what is called the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. Is this trail good for dogs? 4.5 miles: You have reached Mt. 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, so named due to its spareness on top, quite an impressive sight, since we were still miles away. Thanks. 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. RECOMMENDED: Have a breakfast before meeting time. 7.5 miles: Baldy Notch is at the top of the ski lift. As mentioned earlier, the trail-head start was right across from the campground on Mt. Baldy Summit. Mt Baldy Trail: My neighbor, Jose, standing on a large rock outcrop near the end of the Devil's Backbone section of the trail.