Just beyond, the trail kinks further to the west and the backbone begins. The path traces north-northwest along the edge of the bowl, and about half an hour from Desert View you come to the top of a second chairlift (the unromantically named Chair 4, according to the lift map). On the other side of the open space scattered with snow canons and snow ploughs behind the café at the top, you find a lookout point called Desert View, 3.2 miles (5.1 km) from the summit. It took us about 50 minutes from the bottom of the ski lift to the top (2.3 miles / 3.7 km for us, or 3.3 miles / 5.3 km from Manker), enjoying pleasant unfolding valley views. We got directions to a steep lane leading up from the far corner of the car park to join the fire road (the one that starts at Manker) that winds its way up to Baldy Notch. Here we should probably have stopped at the shop and bought an expensive hat or gloves or a hoodie or something, but thought we’d manage. We parked at Manker Flats and (instead of taking the fire road west from there, as you’re meant to) walked up the road to the bottom of the ski lift (this does at least have the advantage of saving a bit of mileage, and when we did it the road was empty). It was mid-November and the hot Pasadena sun made us come totally underprepared: we were freezing cold almost the whole time, and especially as we approached the exposed (hairless!) top of the mountain. We chose the most popular route, taking in Baldy Notch and the impressive Devil’s Backbone. This was our first time on Baldy, the highest mountain in the San Gabriels at 10,069 (or possibly 10,064) feet (3,069 or 3,067 metres), and a frequent landmark on the horizon of many previous hikes. Modern Hiker and Hiking Guy both offer a circular route of similar length, descending via the Baldy Bowl trail Hikespeak describes the various routes and access options here Distance: about 10 miles (16 km) there and backĮlevation gain: about 3,950 feet (1,204 metres)ĭifficulty: terrain: moderate to difficult navigation: easy fitness: moderate to difficultĭrive: 50 minutes (39.5 miles) from central Pasadena, east on the 210, exiting at Base Line Road for Mt Baldy Road, and on up to Manker Flats
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