Mt. Baldy via Register Ridge and Devil's Backbone 10/15/2017 - Mt. Baldy, CA

10-15-2017

Register Ridge Trail is STEEP!...climbing 2,600' in 1.5 miles. This trail may be one of the steepest trails in S. CA, perhaps. Besides the elevation gain in a short distance, the challenge is also altitude as the trail ascends from 6,700' to 9,300'. Register Ridge trail connects to Devil's Backbone reaching Baldy's summit (10,064') in about a mile. You can also opt to take a side trail from the junction to traverse Mt. Harwood (9,551'), gaining extra 200' elevation. 

The hike from trailhead to summit Baldy via Register Ridge/Devil's Backbone is approximately 3.5 miles and 3,900' gain. If Mt. Harwood included, it's about 3.6 miles and 4,100' gain. From San Antonio Falls trailhead, the route follows San Antonio Falls and Baldy Bowl Trail (aka Ski Hut Trail). Soon after passing the metal register box...hence, it's called "Register" Ridge?...veer right and take the use trail going up the ridge. The steep climb begins right away. The trail is in good condition. Pace yourself and enjoy spectacular views as you go. Hiking poles are useful for this steep trail. Bring enough water as the trail is exposed facing south and pretty bald. 

Mt. Baldy (Mt. San Antonio) 10,064' is the highest peak in San Gabriel Mountains, and the highest point in Los Angeles County. It also stands as the third highest peak in S. CA following San Jacinto (10,834') and San Gorgonio (11,503').

For my trip report to summit via Baldy Bowl/Ski Hut Trail:

http://johnshiking.blogspot.com/2012/12/mt-san-antonio-mt-baldy-ca.html

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'.