| Peak | Mt Baldy |
|---|---|
| Group | N/A |
| Trailhead | Manker Flats |
The weather was great on this day which made the hike very comfortable as we started up the service road heading towards Baldy Notch. The initial incline was relatively easy up until reaching the ski lift area. Once there, the trail became a little more challenging as we hiked through onto the Devil’s Backbone. The gusty winds didn’t make it easier as it made it difficult hiking through a narrow ridge. One misstep and it can easily become a disaster for someone. At one point, the wind blew my hat off and had to climb up a steep hill to retrieve it. Passed the Devil’s Backbone you can see the summit of Mt Baldy. Going up the last part of the trail going through switchbacks was challenging but fun. Once at the peak, you can hide behind some makeshift stone shelters to shield yourself from the wind while enjoying the views at the top. One the way down, we took the Baldy Bowl trail as a more direct route back to Manker Flats. Just be prepared to hike over boulders and beware of stress on your knees.
