Mt Baldy Hike

11 miles - Hard Effort
7 Hours (Total)
Can Get Very Busy
3,990 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 10,064 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

This 11 mile Mt Baldy hike brings you to the highest point in LA at 10,064 feet. With almost 4000 feet of climbing, it's a tough yet popular hike, and well worth the effort. You can see from the Pacific to the Mojave on a clear day. There are a few ways to hike Mt Baldy, and this guide takes you on the most popular route.

In this Guide:

When to Hike Mt Baldy
Where to Park
Insider Tips for the Hike
Trail Maps & Printable Directions

Quick Links: Mt Baldy Visitor's Center - Weather Forecast - Top Gear Picks (Sep 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

People who are not prepared die on Mt Baldy every year. Please read this guide carefully before deciding to hike Mt Baldy.

Resting On Blady — Play your cards right and this could be you on the summit of Mt Baldy.

Mt Baldy is also known by it's official name of Mt San Antonio, but everyone just calls it Mt Baldy. It was named for the bald (treeless) face of the Baldy Bowl which is visible when you see the mountain from LA. Mt Baldy is located in the new San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, as well as Angeles National Forest.

When to Hike Mt Baldy

Devils Backbone Trail — I left early on this day and had the whole Devil's Backbone section to myself, which is the best way to experience it. I've also seen pictures of a line of hikers from this same perspective. Leave early.

Do the Mt Baldy hike as early as possible to avoid the crowds. It's one of the most popular hikes in LA. I usually leave at sunrise. The later that you leave, the tougher it will be to park at Manker Flats. If you can do the hike on a weekday, you'll encounter even less crowds. If you're starting later in the day, don't forget to look at the sunset time. Getting caught on the trail after dark is a recipe for bad times.

Is There Snow On the Mt Baldy Trail?

So there's no official way to know if there's snow at the summit of Mt Baldy, but there are some roundabout ways to figure it out. If you're in the summer months, say late May to October, the chances are that it's clear.

When I want to check for snow and bad conditions, I do a couple of things.

First, I check the ski report for Mt Baldy Notch. If there's snow here, there's snow higher up.
I also check out some webcams that show Mt Baldy in the distance.
Then I check the Mt Baldy summit weather. These forecasts are a favorite because I can see not only the high and low temperatures, but also the winds. If there are high winds or very low temperatures at the summit, I know conditions are not great.
I use online tools to check for snow cover.

If there's snow or bad weather, hike Mt Baldy on another day. Every winter hikers die on Mt Baldy, even those with mountaineering experience. It's real and you need to take it seriously.

Winter On Baldy Devil Backbone — This is what the hike is like in the winter. If you happen to slip on ice or snow, you will fall 1000s of feet off the sheer sides to a certain death. Save it for the summer months; it's much more fun. Thanks to my (experienced winter hiker) friend Kyle Saenz for the photo.

If the conditions aren't good for hiking on Mt Baldy, try something challenging without snow at a lower elevation like Mt Wilson, Echo Mountain, Mt Lukens, or Saddleback Mountain.

Training For Mt Baldy

Lots of people do Mt Baldy without any fitness or preparation, but that doesn't mean that you should. The fitter and more prepared you are, the more enjoyable the experience will be. If you've only done shorter or casual hikes, here's how I would recommend building up.

Echo Mountain Hike on the Sam Merrill Trail - 5.6 miles - 1460 feet
Mount Baden-Powell Hike - 8.3 miles - 2800 feet
Mt Baldy Hike - 11 miles - 3990 feet

How To Get to the Mt Baldy Hike

The Mt Baldy trailhead is just past the Manker Campground, about 1:15 hours east of downtown LA. You'll drive through Mt Baldy Village on your way to the hike. It's a good place to grab lunch after hiking.

Here's the address you can put into your GPS to get to the trailhead.
Manker Campground, Mt Baldy, CA, 91759, USA

Drive past the campground to the next parking area between the road.

Mt Baldy Trailhead — The trailhead is a little bit past the campground. Park as close to the trailhead as possible.

Mt Baldy Parking — Here's the parking by the trailhead. It's usually a lot more crowded than this.

mt baldy hike parking — This is normally what the parking lot looks like. You can park on the right as well.

Note that you no longer need a parking pass in this lot according to this USDA site, so that's great. You used to need a parks pass or Adventure pass. If you have a parks pass anyway I'd just hang it to be sure. If you park below in the Manker Campground, you do need to have a pass.

There have been reports of thefts at the trailhead parking lot. Be smart and don't leave valuables visible in your car.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 30 — There are primitive bathrooms at the trailhead and in Manker Campground.

What to Bring on the Mt Baldy Hike

Even though this is a popular hike that lots of folks do, it's still a serious mountain hike. The conditions at the top of Mt Baldy are famous for being extreme, mainly windy and cold. You should be prepared accordingly with extra layers, plenty of snacks, and 3L of water.

It's also worth mentioning that some folks have problems with the altitude, especially those coming up from sea level. If you want to learn about the effects of altitude, check out my guide to Mt Whitney. Mt Baldy isn't going to produce life threatening conditions (in general) but you could end up struggling and wheezing a bit.

My Latest Gear Picks

Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( Amazon | REI )
HOKA Speedgoat 5 ( Men | Women )
Zpacks Sub-Nero Ultra ( Zpacks | Review )
Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ( REI | Amazon )

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My September 2023 Top Gear Picks

Mt Baldy Trail Maps

There are two popular trail for the Mt Baldy hike, the Baldy Bowl / Ski Hut Trail and the Devil's Backbone Trail. This hiking guide starts on the picturesque Devil's Backbone Trail and then descends the Baldy Bowl Trail to the Sierra Club Ski Hut and back to Manker Flats. I find this routing to be the most enjoyable for beginners. If you want to avoid the crowds and do a much tougher hike, try the route on Bear Canyon trail.

Because trail markers on this hike sometimes get stolen, I highly recommend having a paper and electronic map.

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Hike Landmarks

Landmark	Miles	Elevation
Baldy Bowl Trail Junction	0.9	6600ft
Ski Area	3.4	7800ft
Start Devil's Backbone	4.5	8600ft
Optional Mt.Harwood Turnoff	5.3	9300ft
Start Last Steep Climb	5.8	9500ft
Mt Baldy Summit	6.3	10064ft
Ski Hut Turnoff	7.8	8200ft

Mt Baldy Hike Elevation Profile

mt baldy hike 3d map — One of the coolest aspects of this hike is your ascent along the ridge line of Devil's Backbone. The route to the Mt Baldy summit is very exposed. Don't try it in bad weather. The Baldy Bowl / Ski Hut Trail descent is a little more sheltered and cooler on a hot day.

Mt Baldy Hike Topo Map — Here's a topo map that gives you another view of the topography.

Tips on Not Getting Lost

Some hikers get lost when descending the Baldy Bowl / Ski Hut trail. The trail splits apart, comes back together, and can be confusing (more below). If you are descending and you see airplane wreckage, you've gone off the trail, immediately turn around and head directly uphill to rejoin the trail. If it doesn't look like you're on a trail, you're not, turn around before you get stuck on a ledge.

If you do get lost, stop, collect yourself, consult your maps, and regroup. If you don't find the trail after a little while, stop, stay put, and fire up your rescue beacon. Don't move when you set off your beacon, stay where you set it off.

Mt Baldy Hike Directions

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Turn by Turn Directions

These directions have you hiking the entire way, but you can also cheat and take the chair lift to Mt Baldy Notch. It doesn't cut that much off the hike, so I recommend just doing the hike.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 31 — The trailhead is the paved road to the left at the far end of the parking lot. The bathroom is up on the hill next to the entrance.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 29 — Continue past the signs and go through the gate, hiking up the paved road.

At the first switchback, you can see San Antonio Falls to the left.

mt baldy hike climbs dirt road — The pavement ends and you gently climb up a dirt road toward Mt Baldy Notch.

mt baldy hike trail — At about 0.8 miles, stay right on the dirt road. You’ll be coming back on the trail to the left (which goes to the Sierra Club ski hut).

mt baldy hike views — As you climb toward Mt Baldy Notch, turn around to see the awesome views.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 8 — Keep going straight, avoiding the dirt road down to the chairlift parking area.

At about 2.4 miles, you’ll see the ski lift to Mt Baldy Notch.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 7 — At the intersection close to the top, make the hard left to hike into Mt Baldy Notch.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 6 — Walk through the buildings to the open ski area in the middle of the Baldy Notch.

If you want to take a break, Mt Baldy Notch is a good place. There is a restaurant called Top of the Notch that is a nice place to grab a bite, or you can just do it picnic style.

mt baldy hike trail goes left — Shortly after going up the hill, there’s an intersection, hike to the left.

mt baldy hike trail goes up — Now there’s a short but tough climb (up the ski slope). Keep hiking straight up, avoiding the trails heading down to the left.

This section of the hike is steep. Take breaks, turn around, and soak in the views of the Cajon Pass.

mt baldy hike climbs — No rest here! The trail keeps going up. Hike to the right as the trail climbs.

At the end of the ski slope, hike to the right as the Devil’s Backbone trail starts. You can see Mt Baldy in the distance.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 5 — Stay to the right as the trail continues to split.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 4 — A pole marks the beginning of the Devil's Backbone Trail. It's narrow but 100% doable in normal conditions. If there's snow and ice here, it's time to turn around and go back down the way you came.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 3 — While the trail is narrow, there's no point where you have to balance or fall. It's wide enough to hike safely on.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 26 — Don't forget to turn around and get some shots with the Devil's Backbone in the distance.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 2 — The Devil's Backbone Trail leaves the exposed stretch and starts to climb around the west side of the mountain.

Mt Harding trail — At about 5.4 miles, a side trail to Mt Harwood splits off to the right. Give it a pass and continue hiking to the left.

The trail widens and Mt Baldy looms in front of you.

mt baldy hike trail splits — As you hike this steep section of trail, it splits apart into many smaller trails. They all lead to the top and rejoin each other at regular intervals.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 25 — Look for the post at the top of the hill, which marks the start of the Devil's Backbone trail from Mt Baldy Summit.

wind shelters on mt baldy — Stone wind shelters are at the summit of Mt Baldy. Pick a nice spot, soak in the views, and refuel for the trip down.

cris hazzard with Mt Baldy summit sign — Pose for a picture with the Mt Baldy summit sign.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 1 — Two signs point you back in the right direction when you descend.

trails from mt baldy summit — Time to hike back down. This part is a little tricky. The Baldy Bowl / Ski Hut Trail is between the Devil’s Backbone Trail and the Bear Canyon Trail to the next peak over, which leads to Mt Baldy Village. A post marks the Baldy Bowl trail.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 23 — Once you've confirmed that you're on the start of the Baldy Bowl Trail, start your descent to the Ski Hut.

mt baldy hike trail stays left — This part of the hike is a little tricky. The trail starts to split apart. Generally, head to the left, avoiding any trails that head steely down into the ravine. When in doubt, look for other hikers coming up the trail. I wish the trail was better defined, but it's not.

There are reports of signs pointing down toward the ravine. Ignore them and stay on the main ridge. The ravine is a dead end. If you see aircraft wreckage, you've gone too far. Turn around and go back up the hill.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 22 — A trail sign confirms that you're in the right place. Hike toward the Ski Hut and Manker Flat (where you started).

Mt Baldy Hike Update 21 — This next section can be tricky. Again, you want to avoid heading down into the canyon to your right. Look for the poles with the yellow blaze and follow them. The trail will split and come back together often. As long as you're heading to a yellow-blazed pole, you're okay.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 20 — Some trail signs are mixed in with the yellow blazes.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 19 — Keep following the yellow blaze poles. In this case it's down the hill. You're heading to that plateau in the distance.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 18 — At the plateau the trail levels out and makes a hard left down a shaded switchback section.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 17 — Eventually the trail will become rocky and you enter a boulder field.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 16 — The trail can be hard to follow through the rocks here. You're going to be looking for the trail to your left as you come through the rocks.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 14 — This satellite photos shows the boulders in the last shot and the trail to the left.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 15 — Once you make the left the trail is easy to spot and there is a sign.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 13 — Soon you'll see the Sierra Club Ski Hut to your right as you descend.

stream on mt baldy hike — Soon after that, you’ll cross the spring/streamright before the Sierra Club Ski Hut.

After the stream, a side trail leads to the Sierra Club Ski Hut, which you can rent out. Check the website for opening hours; when it's open you can fill up your water bottle there and use the pit toilet.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 12 — Soak in the views at the Ski Hut.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 11 — People also camp occasionally around the Ski Hut. Check it out and head back to the trail.

mt baldy hike descends — This section of the hike is well defined and descends steadily. Avoid any side trails off to the right on a steep incline.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 10 — Trail signs confirm that you're in the right place.

Mt Baldy Hike Update 9 — When you see the trail register you'll be approaching the dirt road to Baldy Notch.

mt baldy hike dirt road — The Ski Hut Trail ends at the dirt road that you ascended earlier. Hike to the right to head back to Manker Flats and the end of the hike.

Devil’s Backbone Trail view — As you descend, look up to admire the saddle on the Devil’s Backbone Trail that you hiked across a few hours earlier.

cris hazzard on mt baldy hike — You did it! Pat yourself on the back, that was a tough hike!

If you are going to bag Mt Baldy, why not set Mt Whitney as your next goal? You won't be disappointed, it's awesome.

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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