| Peak | Mt Baldy |
|---|---|
| Group | N/A |
| Trailhead | Manker Flats |
Here’s a quickie trail report for Mt. Baldy.
*** The conditions on the mountain change daily ***
I hiked from Manker Flats to the peak via the Baldy Bowl Trail / Sierra Ski Hut trail both in & out — mainly because I wanted to play in the snow more.
There are two sections on the Baldy Bowl / Sierra Ski Hut Trail you’ll want to be prepared for. After the Ski Hut & right after the avalanche boulder field, the snow line begins. It lasts for about quarter mile up. Then you get a break for another quarter mile with clear trail. Then the snowfield begins again as you pick your way up to the peak for about a mile.
For the early morning crowd, you’ll want to have micro’s & poles for the ice / snow in both sections. Hikers were carrying ice axes, but they said they didn’t need them.
For the late crowd (after 10 a.m.), you’ll want to have solid hiking boots & poles at a minimum. The ice had melted and was mainly a sloshy snow after 10 a.m. I highly recommend micro’s — mainly because they will make the hike safer and more enjoyable!
There is no exposure on the Baldy Bowl / Sierra Ski Hut trail. That was one of my main concerns heading up.
The people with only boots / trail runners were slipping & sliding & looked miserable — but they made it. Very slowly.
** Water Report **
You can get away with 1 liter if you bring a filter. The streams by the Ski Hunt are running. And the water tasted great.
Enjoy the mountain. It was gorgeous up there today. A truly Happy Mountain. Rest in peace Sam. Your spirit was among us.
