I was glad to be back here again at the trail to Mount Baldy, after what had been at least a year. My last summit was May 2024, on Mother’s Day weekend. There was still snow covering much of the mountain then. But now, Baldy was in the clear, and snow-free.
It was a beautiful early June morning, at 6:30 am when I arrived at the parking area of Manker Flats. Skies were blue and the sun was out today. The weather was in the 60’s. Does it get any better?
The parking area all along the road, was already packed with cars, since the trail to Mount Baldy (elevation 10,064 foot), had been closed since the devastating fires the year prior. Many wondered why the trails were closed. The consensus was that trail maintenance resources had been diverted to other areas, as had staff for this area. It was closed due to staffing, and resources, not because it had fire damage. That was good news since this is one of the most iconic and gorgeous trails in the entire area. No mountain in socal quite compared to Mount Baldy. I was not surprised to see a crowd, since the trail had only been open a week. Being a Sunday morning, it was not nearly as crowded as a Saturday would be, which was a true blessing. I found a spot right away, one of maybe a hundred vehicles.
I set out along the trail as the sun was just beginning to rise over the mountains, and illuminate the landscape. Right now it was quiet and peaceful as I climbed my way up the first half mile of paved road. It was an alpine morning, and I was glad to have an early start to beat the heat.
Hiking Mt Baldy solo never feels that way. The trail was crowded with many groups, dogs, and people from all walks of life, here together for a common purpose – hiking. What I love about this sport is that all are welcome.
I was feeling grateful to feel well enough to take on this beast of a mountain once more. Just a year ago, I was stricken with horrid back and leg pain, desperately trying to find out why. Being here once again was a true milestone for me. I had no idea what I was going to do today on this climb. I was just grateful to be even trying, to have healed to the extent I can now carry a 8 pound pack, with four liters of water on a day hike.
Looking back on all the beauty, I felt at home, once again in this scenic valley.
The sun had now risen on Mount Baldy. I notice the lines and striations on the bowl from rockfalls.
I notice the textures of the landscape, the castle- like spires of the mountain peak, and spiny backlit pine needles.
Staying in shade is welcome, since the cooler I remain, the quicker I tend to move.
But finally the sun peeked its way over the hill, spilling on to the trail, illuminating the trees above in a warm glow.
I was feeling so much joy, as I wandered beneath evidence of rockfalls, crossed a big gully, and finally had the ski hut in my sights, the first milestone of this journey.
The ski hut, just as I remember it, emerged with its classic green metal roof. I had gone 2 miles and climbed 2000 feet at this point. It had taken me two hours to reach this point in my hike, including a few short pauses along the way.
After the ski hut it was onward straight into a granite boulder field. Every time I have made this trek, the granite zone here still feels like the danger zone. The rocks seem to be perpetually cascading down the hillside, sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly, in so many directions, showing no sign of ever being done.
The sheer size of one of these monoliths was that of a city bus. From where I was standing it may not seem obvious, but this one is just massive.
After crossing the boulder field section of the bowl, the trail steepens considerably, and heads through shady pines. There is a ton of loose granite here, and the trail is eroded all the way down to the tree roots in spots. I had plenty of scrambling to do here, and take care not to trip on the tangled roots.
I paused a moment to appreciate how steep this hillside was, remembering how I climbed this in snow once. I shudder now, thinking I actually did that, looking down this incline. After a bit more work, I eventually made it up to the next milestone of the trek, the saddle, where signage points the way to the top. I had now traveled about 2.9 miles, and had just over a mile to go.
I was feeling pretty good having made it this far, on what is one of the toughest trails in southern California.
The forest thinned out and made way for full sun exposure. It was now almost 10 am, and it started to warm up fast.
Just as the sun was radiating off the granite, I had a steep climb ahead. I put aside all expectations of myself in terms of speed when I get to this point. This is a 1/2 mile an hour section for me, and the fastest I have gone is just under a mile an hour. I knew I would need breaks on this.
The last half mile is a true alpine atmosphere, and I admire all the different high mountain pines that seem to thrive in this terrain, some twisting and some straight and narrow, each with a mind of its own, at home on this ridge.
The moment of truth is that final push to the summit, the last .25 mile or so, when you know you can’t quit, but definitely feel like it. I finally had the summit party in my sights.
It was a party at the peak like no other on this particular day. It was the first day of the protests in LA, and people at the peak were expressing their views on it in their own way, flying flags, singing songs, as is their freedom to do.
I felt the need to break out the shaka, after that, when a nice guy offered another photo, I could not refuse. I feel we all need to hang loose these days, and not ever take ourselves too seriously. It was a true party at the peak, and a beautiful moment.
This would be my Mount Baldy (Elevation 10,064 ft) summit number four!!!! Being greeted by the flag of the country I love made my heart happy. God bless the USA, a country where we can say what we want and do what we want, because of freedom.
I was most grateful that I made it up here. It was a year after my injury and here I was. I did not know then what would be possible. I felt tremendous gratitude. I had a very tough year of many twists, turns and uncertainties leading up to this moment. This was definitely a special moment for me. You just can’t give up, whatever the world throws at you.
Another passerby offered to photograph me, and I put this moment on record. I wanted to say how grateful I was to the camera about the moment. She looked surprised I was not just posing. After my commentary, I thanked her, and told her about it being my 4th time there. She rolled her eyes saying she had done it over 50 times and had lost count. Everyone has their take on things. Mount Baldy holds different meanings to different people. I was not feeling like I had been there, done that today. The best is always yet to come. I don’t know if this was my best. It just mattered that I was here right now.
There are some small rock shelters scattered atop the peak, and all were filled on this day. I know some will camp atop the summit, and I am adding that to my goals list, to camp on Mt Baldy.
After a short summit break and a snack while admiring what I worked so hard for, which was this view, I headed off toward the backbone trail.
I could see for miles into the burn zone below, of the Bridge Fire, which made it as far as Pine Mountain, and Dawson Peak, yet thankfully spared Mount Baldy.
My favorite part of this trail is when I get to head down that narrow ridge leading to the notch.
This scene makes my heart happy.
All that was left to do was head down, which was welcome. It was now almost noon, and I had actually made a pretty good time, despite how slow my ascent was. With the baldy bowl now behind me, I focused my footing on the steep and rocky section ahead, which some prefer to ski down. I took my time, since I need to preserve just about every part of me. Trying to avoid more setbacks, since I love getting to be out here.
As I was heading down the steep rocky section approaching Mount Harwood, I noticed some snow play happening off to my left in the last remaining patch of snow.
I right passed by Mount Harwood on the narrow trail. I have been up Mount Harwood before. It has a USGS marker, but there was no peak sign, last I checked. It is a fun detour if you have time.
There were a scattering of ancient pines and cedars along this section. Marvels never cease. How such majestic trees managed to cling to life here, teetering on the edge, and thriving amongst the granite is a mystery.
While gazing off in the distance, I could see even more of the devastation of the past Bridge fire deep in the valley below.
I dub this no-man’s canyon, with its steep jagged, and unforgiving terrain. People have fallen off the backbone before, and this section seems to be one of the danger zones be cautious around.
After about 30 minutes more of hiking from the summit, I had my first glimpse of the notch up ahead, just around the bend. Just beyond this, are some steep sections with a rock chute dropping off on the left, some scrambles, and areas I really had to watch my step. You will know it when you see it. Just be cautious along this stretch of trail.
Finally I reached the section which gave this trail its name, which drops off on both sides, like a true backbone. I was almost back to the Baldy resort, and the notch.
Once at the old chairlift, there is about .75 miles to the notch, where there is a nice restaurant for a bite to eat, and 4 miles left to Manker Flats, via Baldy Rd.
Once inside the Baldy resort the trail becomes a wide flat area, and steep area, carved out for winter skiing. This was a steep part which had my knees hurting, for at least a .25 mile or so. After the notch, I continued along on the uneventful and wide Baldy road all the way back to my car.
By about 2pm, I reached the overlook for San Antonio Falls, about 5 minutes from the Manker Flats parking area, where I noticed climbers repelling from ropes on the falls.
Gratitude
I was feeling grateful to make it up to Mount Baldy for summit number four! My hike was 12 miles with 3400 feet of gain, and took about 7.5 hours to complete.
Defined by Perspective
I love hiking, and climbing to Mount Baldy reminds me that it does not matter where you came from, but where you are headed. That is the most awesomest thing. Hiking defines us by our upward perspective, not by how much money we made, our job title, whether we have a thousand friends online, or if we had a solid family life growing up. All are welcome. It is you and the mountain. It is true freedom that we are doing this thing together. Here for a common purpose, and our own personal best. Sometimes we make it, sometimes we don’t, but we always try, even if we need to turn back. The mountain will be there.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer:
The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2025 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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