My Personal Climb For Heroes

Wow! What an awesome challenge this hike was, as I continuing to complete the Six Pack of Peaks from alternate trailheads. I chose the Old Mount Baldy Trail in Bear Canyon because of the challenge it provided. It was 11.31 total miles and 5,415′ in total elevation gain. We exited out the Ski Hut Trail.

Parking is basically on the street (inside the white lines). Arrive early or else you’ll end up parking in a dirt lot about a 1/4 mile from the church. The trail was well maintained. There was some obvious signs brush and tree clearing taking place near the beginning of the hike. We started the hike from the church parking lot near the visitors center. Mile one gains about 679′ in elevation. Not too bad! The challenges comes over the next 4 miles each having big elevation gains (mile 2 – 914′, mile 3 – 1359′, mile 4 – 1178′ and mile 5 – 941). That’s 4392′ in elevation gain over 4 miles. The final push to the top (1.5 miles) gains 712′ in elevation. Certainly not easy after doing the first 5 miles. We summited Baldy in just under 5 hours. Took a length break at the peak and then headed down the Ski Hut trail. Very steep and rocky on the way down, but a great challenge and hike altogether.

This hike also served as my Climb for Heroes Hike, since I was unable to take part in May do to an injury.