This would be Mount Baldy summit #5. It was a cool fall morning in the Cucamonga Wilderness in October as I began my hike to Mount Baldy from Manker Flats around 7:30 am. It was just below 50 degrees out and the weather was perfect. I had no planned eta on this one. However long it takes. However many breaks. If I needed to turn back I would. I was trying to be realistic, and not push too hard on this one.
I always love to challenge myself, which in the past 2 years contributed to multiple injuries. But this time I wanted to see if I could make it to Mount Baldy, without injuring myself, and overdoing it. I knew there is hiking far, and hiking fast, but today I needed to hike smart. I was planning to take my time, and watch my step, careful not to over jar my sensitive knees, which I had blown out one after another this past summer. I knew it was time to take care, making room for grace, in taking it slow.
I began heading up Baldy Rd. towards the notch, since today I planned on summiting Mt Baldy via the Devil’s Backbone Trail. It had recently snowed here a week ago, and I had a feeling the snow had melted off along the trail just enough in the past few days, with the warmer drier conditions, to make the backbone trail safe and passable. But I still brought micro-spikes and a trekking pole for stability on small patches or snow or ice.
It was a beautiful morning as I made my way up Mt Baldy Rd., still mostly in the shade for much of the way.
It was just before 9am, when I reached the notch, having climbed just over 3 miles, with about 1800 feet of gain so far.
I made a right, and climbed further along the ridge, heading towards the backbone. In the distance I could see Register Ridge, one of the trails I have yet to tackle, since it is the most technical and steep.
I continued my steep climb past the ski lifts, through Mt Baldy Resort, where out of bounds signs flank the trail.
Snow covered Thunder Mountain and Telegraph Peak, were in the backdrop.
Off to the north were scenic desert views beyond the pines.
I continued along the rocky terrain, passing by what would be the alternate side trail composed of more gentle switchbacks (which I would end up taking on back down).
It was a gorgeous morning as I climbed higher, past the tall statuesque ski lifts amid beautiful scenery.
I finally reached the snow covered northern slope, as I edged closer to the official start of the backbone trail, just in awe of the steep pitch. I would have to take my time on this one, treading carefully. I was hopeful the trail would still be clear on ahead.
I made it to the backbone, and at least initially it seemed the snow had mostly melted off along the rocky spine, so I continued my climb.
In winter, this trail would be a different animal. I was here in late fall, somewhat between seasons, crossing between them.
I had one foot into fall, and another into winter, which is honestly my favorite time of year to visit here.
By 10:30, I was about halfway to the peak, and the trail continued to stay clear of snow, with the weather feeling perfect, in the 50’s so I did not even need the puffy jacket I brought along.
It felt like springtime as I edged along the skinny trail, with the sunny south face, snow-free.
After not very long, I was again facing snow covered northern slopes, this time much closer to the edge of the trail. One false stumble, and I could end of sliding on down this. It was a no fall zone for sure.
The view’s got better and better as I climbed, looking back once more on Telegraph Peak and Thunder Mountain, along with the snow covered runs of Mount Baldy Resort.
After about another hour navigating the Devil’s Backbone Trail, I was now walking beneath Mount Harwood.
By about 11:30 am I had passed by Mount Harwood, and began my final climb up to Mount Baldy. Although Mount Baldy was somewhat snow covered, it was easily navigable and there was no need to wear traction on the way up. I had to take my time on the last part, which is very steep, and the terrain is loose.
It was around 12 noon, and finally, the peak sign was in my sights. I had made it to the famous bald summit one more time.
This was Mount Baldy summit #5, and the second time there in a year, which is a first.
This was a birthday hike. Another trip around the sun, complete. The small crowd dispersed as soon as I arrived. So I got to have Mount Baldy to myself, one more time. What a feeling to sit atop the tallest peak in all the LA Mountains, and have it to yourself. It truly felt like a special moment, if not for storms on the horizon and rain in the forecast, I might have lingered a bit longer than I did.
Sometimes you get to have the peak to yourself a short while. Perfect birthday present to make it here and have it to myself if you ask me. After the small group left, one woman hiked up, and joined me. We talked a moment and she quickly left. She mentioned being local and having been to the peak countless times. She was climbing Baldy and picking up the kids at school after. Sounds reasonable to me.
What was different about this summit was that I really took my time getting there, taking care not to injure my knees or back further. I did not want to aggravate my knees especially after spending most of summer with one or both of my knees swollen. Aside from all this, being here had me reflecting a lot on my year. Perfect place to assess your situation in life, on a peak. We have limitless possibilities before us in life, yet we always somehow manage to limit ourselves to what we let reason and logic dictate for us. Standing on a mountain, it feels like anything is possible.
Around 12:30 pm I was on my way back, the way I came, down the Devil’s Backbone Trail.
Along the way there was a beautiful cast of trees, the locals, the true ones who live here full time.
I decided to veer off to the right, just past the first chair, taking more gentle switchbacks to the notch.
I further added to the adventure, taking a social trail down to Baldy road, from the notch, shaving over a mile off my descent. It was steep and I did a bit of scree skiing.
I can’t help but want to explore all the trails here on Mount Baldy. I have yet to take the bowl trail down. It looks steep, but perhaps next time I will.
The sun stayed out the whole way back, and it was a beautiful day, for Mount Baldy summit #5!
I was feeling good after this long day of hiking, and confident that I can continue to climb the mountains I love, if I do it right…by taking my time, not pushing too hard, and if I can manage to avoid overdoing it.
There were beautiful fall colors happening by the trailhead, even if you visit here, and are not much of a hiker, it is a beautiful sight to see.
Hike with Grace
I knew I needed to make room for grace and healing. Being careful while hiking is important to me, so I can keep doing it for years to come. Being easy on my knees means taking care while scrambling, on steps, and only including a reasonable dose of incline. Register Ridge and the Ski Hut Trail have a heavier dose of incline. It is not always miles but steepness than can flare up injuries in knees, is all I know. As much as I would like to check steep mountains such as Big Iron off my list, I have not, due to the incline. I would rather have my knees to hike with than injure them beyond repair. Jogging down mountains has now become out of the question. I had to adapt to the conditions present and that which is within my control versus that which is not. That meant I had to give up on trail running to save my knees.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
You can enjoy the scenery just as much when you hike slow, and take breaks, Hiking does not need to be a race to the top. That is the beauty of it, that there is no winning, no race, just one foot in front of the other. The beauty is in the slowness, where you get to take in the scenery to the fullest extent, and moments where you just stop to wonder at it all.
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety."
- Psalm 18:2
A Pine Cone Parable
Just like pine cones some of us fall from the tree and go through life without a scratch, keeping perfect form, never struggling, resting comfortably through all seasons. But as you can see that is not the case for most pine cones. They become broken, scarred, smashed, beaten and ripped of most of what would cause you to still see them as pine cones. This was not their plan, or their choice. They have battle scars. Life and the world were not kind, yet they are still all pine cones, and part of the landscape, playing a role. Those whose seeds open forth, plant their seeds to re-grow a new forest. We are all Gods children. We all matter in this landscape. Our circumstance in life does not change that. As long as we stand solidly on the Lord our rock we have nothing to fear. Even pine cones charred in fire and flame, sprout miracuously and regrow anew.
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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