Mt. San Antonio "Mt. Baldy", CA

Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy), CA - 10,064'

November 2, 2010

Blady Bowl Trail (Ski Hut Trail) - 8.4 miles RT

Elevation Gain - 3,900' 

You may not call yourself an avid hiker of Southern California until you scale Mt. San Antonio, also known as "Mt. Baldy".  Mt. Baldy is the the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, and the highest point in Los Angeles County. It also stands as the third highest peak in S. CA next to San Jacinto (10,804') and San Gorgonio (11,499'). If you are to scale this 10,064' peak, the reward is worth the effort.  Gaining almost 1,000' per mile can be strenuous depending on your stamina and ability to adjust high altitude. Mt. Baldy is definitely one of the most popular hikes in S. CA.  There are a few different routes to summit the peak - Bear Flat Trail, Devils' Backbone and Baldy Bowl Trail (Ski Hut Trail). Trekking up about 3 miles via Baldy Bowl Trail, you reach a historical landmark - the Sierra Club Ski Hut located at 8,300'. You can take a self-guided tour of the hut when it is open. The man who takes care of the hut is a local resident and really friendly....I happened to meet him when I was there and told me about some interesting history and artifacts of the hut.  The hut is also a good place to refill water (spring water).  The summit is about 1.5 miles from the ski hut, gaining steep grade about 1,800'. If you are lucky with a clear sky, you can catch grand vistas of the San Gabriel peaks and beyond including San Gorgonio and San Jacinto, and even Mt. Whitney (14,494') the highest peak in the continental US. Mt. Baldy is a great local hike in S. CA and you can be proud of yourself scaling the peak!

How to get there:
Take 210 to Upland and exit Mountain Avenue.  Go north toward the Angeles National Forest following Mountain Avenue to the intersection with Shinn Road. Continue to Mt. Baldy Road and follow the road a few miles to Manker Flats. Turn left to San Antonio Falls Road and park along the road (don't block the gate!). Trek the road and pass San Antonio Falls. The road curves around upward a couple of times after San Antonio Falls.  After the second round, cut left straight up to the trailhead for Baldy Bowl/Ski Hut trail.  There is a trail register that you can sign in. Adventure Pass required.

 

Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) seen from Upland.

Baldy Bowl/Ski Hut Trail en route to summit. The Sierra Club Ski Hut is visible up above on the ridge (small green building).

The summit of Mt. San Anotnio - 10,064'.  Piled rocks are to protect campsites from high wind. Mt. San Gorgonio (11,499') the highest peak in S. CA is seen far right.

"Mt. Baldy" summit plaque at 10,064'.