A great escape from the noise and crowds of Los Angeles, minutes from downtown. This loop hike takes you from the desert into pine forest.
The summit is the high point of the San Gabriel Mountains. Mount San Antonio, or Mount Baldy as it is often called, is a refreshing oasis in the midst of the Los Angeles urban sprawl. The route described is a loop, chosen for its variety of terrain.
This route combines the Baldy Bowl Trail (also known as the Ski Hut Trail) for the ascent, with the Devils Backbone Trail and Manker Canyon Fire Trail for the descent. Mt. Baldy is a wonderful peak to hike. High enough to be exciting, but easily doable for most hikers and within reach for even non-hikers in reasonable shape. This particular trail, however, is rather steep on the ascent and is closed off from views until one finally gains the high ridge.
The Baldy Bowl Trail is one of three major trails that ascend Mt. Baldy and while not the hardest, it is the steepest of all the trails. The descent along the Devil's Backbone trail is gentler, but is exposed at several points. Take care on the descent.Enjoy the awesome sight from the lens of nature photographer Ver Penaranda from last weekend.
Awesome.