DETAILS- #MTBALDY #MTSANANTONIO #PEAKHIKE
No peak in the San Gabriels is as iconic as Mt. Baldy (Mt. San Antonio) — the tallest mountain in LA County at 10,068 feet. On a clear day, you’ll spot it snowcapped from miles away. As Jerry Schad said:
“No Southland hiker’s repertoire of experiences is complete without at least one ascent of Mt. San Antonio.”
This is one great hike and a true SoCal rite of passage. Expect a challenging climb, big elevation gain, and the reward of panoramic summit views stretching to Catalina and the Pacific.
📋 Trail Details
Trailhead: Manker Flat parking area
Distance: ~11.5 miles - Loop is ascend Baldy Bowl Trail and descent is Devils Backbone to Notch and utility road to parking.
Time: ~8 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: ~3,950 ft
Dogs: 🚫 Not allowed
Permits: Not required
Parking: National Forest Adventure Pass required (Manker Flat fills quickly!)
🧭 Meet-Up & Timing
🚗 Carpool available: Just write a note in the discussion part of this post asking to carpool.
🅿️ Trailhead parking at Manker Flat.
🕖 Be at Manker Flat by 6:00 AM — hike begins promptly.
💧 Water & Gear (MANDATORY) - 3 liters minimum (100 oz) – includes electrolytes & frozen Gatorade recommended.
Healthy snacks + a summit lunch.
Lightweight jacket (temps drop quickly at 10,000 ft).
Hat, sunscreen, trekking poles (optional).
Water sources if needed may be at stream at Ski Hut (3 miles in) and The Notch restaurant building (3 miles to end).
🚨 WATER CHECK will be performed. If you are not prepared with enough water or proper gear, you will not be allowed to hike. Safety first!
🛣️ Directions to Manker Flat
From I-210 East, exit Baseline Rd (52).
Left on Baseline, then immediate right onto Padua Ave.
Drive 1.7 mi, then right on Mount Baldy Rd.
Continue 7 mi through Mount Baldy Village, then 4.4 mi past Manker Flat Campground.
Park along the road near Falls Rd and display your Adventure Pass.
DISCLAIMER: Heritage Hiking Club / Grand Canyon - Havasupai Adventures - Bill Furey and its volunteer Leaders and Support Team, do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attending,” or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike leaders/volunteers, support team, or any group associated responsible for any hazard to your well being. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water, food and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. You are fully responsible for yourself.
⚠️ Final Notes
This is a wilderness hike with steep, sustained elevation gain.
Hikers should be conditioned (able to complete our Rim Crest and Powder Canyon Thursday hikes).
No hiker left behind. We start together and finish together.
🌟 Take on the “Baldy Ascent Challenge” from Manker Flat — a tough climb, a legendary peak, and an unforgettable SoCal adventure!
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