Summit #7
This was my 2nd time to Mount Baldy this year, and my 2nd May summit. I was here today with an awesome group of women hikers, in honor of moms for a Mother’s Day weekend hike, during one of the most crowded weekends to hike of the year.
Mount San Antonio
The mountain is named for St. Anthony of Padua, whose birthday is August 15th. The Tongva tribe referred to the peak as Joat, which means snow. The mountain receives a lot of press, due to the extreme environment it becomes in winter, which now results in closures, after multiple fatalities of hikers during winter.
Alpine Hiking
I love alpine environments, and everything about Mount Baldy. It is a strenuous hike considered to be extreme by many, and hiking to this peak sort of encourages you to push yourself further.
Along the way, there is a small amount of exposure, and a few steep drop offs to avoid. I have come to know one particular rock chute on the way to the saddle, that each time, as I approach it, I wonder if today is the day it may give way. I mean it surely could.
Ski Hut Trail
Ski hut trail is the shortest route to Mount Baldy. It is also not something that screams permanent in any sense. The dynamic boulder field I cross going up, always has me just in awe of the power and the beauty of it all. At any time, these rocks could get on the move, though that possibility is most likely after the weather and seasons change, moving from winter to spring.
The Seasons
The snowmelt, and changes in temperature caused the rocks to contract. As they freeze and thaw, expanding and contracting during these changes, boulders tend to give way to gravity. When it rains, slopes lose stability.
A Changing Landscape
Everything is in a constant state of change, and ever crumbling here on Mount Baldy. Like the mountain, so are we, fading, crumbling and falling apart, more than we are coming together. That is just how it goes. You can’t fight it. As children we grow, and as adults we fade. Life needs to be lived fully no matter the state we are in. Even if we are not getting younger, we are always growing, or shall I say refining ourselves, in our mindsets. We push harder, to get stronger, to hike longer, and go farther, but this push is almost like pushing back against that which we cannot control, aging. Maintaining fitness is something that never ends. But in life sometimes we just need to unwind, heal, and have downtime. That is the lesson I learned. Sometimes you need to stop and wait. So I did, and now I am climbing mountains again.
A Dedication
I have hiked Mount Baldy on both Mothers Day and Fathers Day. I lost my dad to heart disease, and it was one of the reasons I took my health more seriously, going vegetarian for 15 years and vegan for 3 years, along with spending time outdoors. But is climbing at altitude healthy? It is a testament to our conditioning, which does not happen overnight. Climbing mountains is saying, I care about my health, I love being outside in nature, I am not sitting inside lounging as a choice, and I intend to live life to its fullest. It says that I care about health, and I don’t let obstacles, such as big climbs stop me. Every climb I make to Mount Baldy is a big deal for me. My Dad never got to climb mountains in his life. Not everyone ever does, so each summit feels like a gift. I dedicated my very first summit of Mount Baldy to my Dad. I think about him every summit. Rest easy Dad, and thank you.
Not Rushing it
I love enjoying the beautiful nature here. But it always feels like I am in a rush, whenever I visit here. I find it tough to just stop, sit on a rock, and enjoy the scenery. Part of this is the looming possibility of not finishing. When I make it to the top, then I relax, and sit on the summit enjoying the view. Baldy has an amazing 360 degree view, into the valley, towards distant peaks, and throughout the mountain wilderness. But trying to get somewhere faster makes it a challenge. I love a challenge, and it keeps me moving, most of the hike.
The Day Begins
Somehow I woke up early around 5 am, despite having not set my alarm, and got out the door. By 6:45 am I was on the road heading up to Manker Flats, about 1.5 hrs from my house. It seemed like what would be a clear day ahead, as I made my way into the mountains. As I drove up Baldy Road, the sun was lighting up the landscape. I parked by Manker Flats around 7:15 am, far downhill, a 1/4 mile away. I finally began my hike around 7:30 am, much later than the group.
I was going to give it my best effort, despite not feeling like I was in the greatest shape that week. I started later than everyone, and was not sure I could even catch them. Today we are representing women, and moms, hiking in dresses, up Mount Baldy.
The sun was up and the weather was warm this morning.
I headed past beautiful San Antonio Falls, which was flowing at full blast.
I made a right on Baldy Road, and a left soon after, up Baldy Bowl Trail.
Wearing Layers
I knew I would not need much in the way of layers. Still I always bring something warm when climbing mountains. I had my fleece, which at this time, I would end up carrying the entire way. About 20 minutes into my hike, I was already warm, and the fleece came off.
I passed the Register Ridge turnoff, which was now well trodden and visible. That is one trail I have yet to try, along with Old Baldy, along with the Pine Mountain Route via Wrightwood.
I was hiking in my flowery dress today. I had shorts with me, and a lightweight top, so I had another option for the way back. I actually like hiking in a dress, and it gives me ideas. I actually have a background in fashion design, though you would never know it based on the fact that I am always wearing almost the same thing. I keep it simple, and despite a history of being very into fashion, at this time in my life, it is not the first thing I think about. But today. I happened to have a stretchy dress, bursting with wildflowers, which I was excited to wear.
The Hazards
The trail up Mount Baldy was noticeably eroded, a mere mile into my hike. There were spots where I stayed well to the right, leaning in, using my trekking pole to push away from the edge. The greatest fear about hiking is falling, a simple stumble or trip, and then over an edge. The threat is very real, along with rattlesnakes, which are very active this year. I had seen a big one, just two days earlier on Mount Islip, just hanging out in the peak rock where I would typically sit, tucked away in an opening by the manzanita. I was about a foot from it, when I noticed it. That was too close for comfort. I have been too close to a snake many times. Every time, I get chills. So I was on the lookout, since the snakes were active at 8000 feet, and they were definitely active here. This valley is a snake pit, especially nearby Icehouse Canyon.
By 8:30 I was about halfway to the Ski Hut, and there were a fair number of hikers on trail.
By 9:30, I passed the Ski Hut, glancing around for women in dresses. Up ahead, I saw two ladies in tutus. I had found my group, the tail end of it, meeting two new people. I continued up the steep slope, through the bowl, excited to have caught up at all. Was I going normal speed for a change? I had been feeling like a slow hiker most of this year and last. Has something changed? Well I changed my diet. I was now 95% plant based. My new diet was working out well so far, and my blood pressure is lower, a key thing for hiking at altitude. As a vegan, my blood pressure always stayed low making altitude easier. The humble beet can lower blood pressure. I brought beet powder with me on the High Sierra Trail.
Shortly after about 10 minutes later, more tutus, and people I know from the group. I am now passing more people, and not the sweep, like I have been on so many hikes.
It was just before 10 am when I reached the saddle, and saw a huge group of familiar faces. This was a joyful moment, to have caught up with the majority of the group
After a brief pause on the saddle and waiting for people in the group to catch up, I was again powering up the steep slopes of Baldy, approaching the section that always slows me down.
Hot, dry, and exposed, the last section of Ski Hut Trail is composed of loose granite.
Going up is tough, and going down is maybe tougher. I would be climbing about 1000 feet in a mile.
Here is some perspective on it.
I was now officially high, almost above the treeline, and closing in on 10,000 feet.
This is the part with the most beautiful pines, gnarled trunks, and weathered bark, windswept, continually exposed to all the elements.
I came to another brief saddle, with shady trees, and was tempted to take a break, yet I kept going. I wanted to make it to the peak in less time than last time. I was challenging myself.
By 10:30, I had passed the last of the many saddlles on the way up, and was making the final summit push, with less than 500 feet to go.
The last .25 mile has some of the most beautiful scenery of the entire trail, sparsely growing high mountain pines, and views of the surrounding wilderness.
I ran into two more groups of women, and one who happens to be one of the most accomplished hikers I have met of in all of socal, from the Baldy Traverse to the Cactus to Clouds. She is Denali bound. How cool is that?
I then ran into another lady, who let me know our leader, in the fast group, who left early, were on their way down the backbone to the Notch to eat a bite in the restaurant.
Soon I could glimpse the signpost, the turnoff for the summit and also the Devil’s Backbone, and I knew I was there. I would stay to the left of the sign, and head towards the peak, which is sometimes visible, but can be obscured by clouds.
It was 11:15 am , and there was quite the party going on at the peak.
It had taken me 3.5 hours plus a break at the saddle to reach the summit today.
To my left, I could see the still snow covered slopes of West Baldy.
Mount San Antonio – Elevation 10,064 ft (aka Baldy) summit #7 complete, and hooray for moms!
This was my fastest time, climbing to this peak. I could not believe I went as fast as I did, with on 3.5 hrs hike time to the top (no including stops to wait with the group).
Well it was not my strength. I have to remember who gives me the power to climb these mountains.
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
– Philipians 4:13
I would linger about an hour on the summit, waiting for the rest of my group to arrive.
Just enjoyed the view awhile, while I waited for more of the group and we took photos. I don’t like to rush off, but today I had to.
Hiking is always better with friends! After a bit of celebrating, I departed the summit around 12 noon, after about 45 minutes there.
I ran into a few more ladies from my group, and then two more who had left later than me.
By 2 pm I was back on Baldy Rd, and ran into the twin dynamos with superhuman strength, the Super Hiking Twins. Along with their Dad, they pass on the stoke, everyday, sharing their adventures. If there is anyone, who I have wanted to meet on trail, it was them. Funny how the most accomplished hikers are kids, with their 50+ Mount Baldy summits and counting. That just made it a perfect day altogether. Mom and Dad get praise for raising kids outdoors. It is the only way in my opinion. A family that hikes together has more fun, simple as that.
I was back at my car by 2:15 pm, which was parked a full 1/2 mile down the road. I had made good time on this one, and was grateful to make it back safely. My hike was 10 miles with 4200 foot of gain.
Thank you to Carol for leading the charge, and to all the wonderful supportive women in our group, who gather together for these adventures. I was so encouraged by all of you today!
Reflections of Mountain Climbing
Mountains have risks. I try to come prepared, taking all the right precautions, and most important is to come with the right mindset.
Some people grow up next to these mountains, and brag about losing count of their summit’s of local peaks such as Mount Baldy. I cannot say the same, since I don’t live next door to this peak. This would be my 7th attempt in climbing this rugged and rocky peak. With each successive climb, I feel like I know the mountain a bit better than before, so it feels more like home. This is a strange way to think about a beast like Mount Baldy, aka Mount San Antonio.
You can put in training for bigger climbs on a mountain like Baldy. It is a place to spend a day, with friends, where you have several routes to choose from, and there is something for everyone, even if you only go as far as San Antonio Falls, a mere .75 miles from the trailhead. You can take the chair lift from the notch back down and eat a meal at the cafe there.
You can also just spend time in quiet reflection to contemplate your life in its entirety, to make plans, or let go of ones that did not serve you. On a mountain, as you close in on a summit, challenged physically in both strength and lung capacity, you get to think clearer, in a most focused way, that you don’t usually. It is an instant reset.
I may never be at the level as a hiker of some of the people I meet, but having those around you, who are more experienced, teaches you so much. I felt like I was in good company today, with independent adventurous women, who are also kind-hearted, and have a lot of fun too. What more do I need? I feel so blessed.
Just like taking a walk in a neighborhood park, and up a grassy hill. Only this hill is 10,056 feet and alpine. Mount Baldy has started to feel more like home, the more I visit here. Hiking to this mountain is becoming a tradition for me, that has been put on repeat.
Until next time Mount Baldy! Next time I plan to not rush it, and just soak it all in, even more than I did today. It is a beautiful place that warrants an entire day to enjoy. So if you come here, are going slow, don’t worry, just look around, and enjoy, however far you go. You got this!
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
The Essentials
Just be sure to come prepared, bring the 10 essentials, and Pack Out Your Trash 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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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 2026 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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