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Peak Mt Baldy
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Trailhead Manker Flats

Windy, Rude, Exhilarating.

These are the three thoughts I have when thinking about the Mt. Baldy ascent via Manker Flats to the Devil’s Backbone.

Let’s start with “Exhilarating.” The name “The Devil’s Backbone” just sounds cool. It’s been a trail I’ve wanted to do for years and haven’t had the opportunity to partake it in. It’s challenging and the views are amazing. Personally, I love the precarious nature of Angel Falls and sections of Devil’s Backbone emulate this. Add in the wind, and you’re in a for a memorable experience.

…speaking of “Windy,” let’s talk about that. The Devil’s Backbone through the summit was extremely windy with gusts of up to 35-40mph. My friend’s hat even blew off (fortunately uphill, so he was able to retrieve it). This makes the summit a little uncomfortable since you’re never really given a true rest from the elements. The way I see it, it simply adds to the mystique of the whole experience.

While I enjoyed the hike as a whole, there was one disappointing aspect: the people. Not the quantity, this is a busy trail. The quality of some people. During the most daring sections of the Devil’s Backbone, the path is barely single track wide. Fortunately, on the ascent, you have the mountainside to lean into. On the other side is a steep decline of scree that could deadly to drop into. Unfortunately, rude people on the descent have no understanding of trail etiquette and will come barrelling down as they attempt a trail run. I’m going to say this a few times:

NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR CARDIO.

No one cares about your PR. No one cares about your trail running. No one cares about your cardio.

If you are coming downhill, you yield to those going uphill. End of story. No one cares if you are trying to keep your heart rate above a certain number or if you’re making a great time.

More than once I had people brush past and push off me as they were rapidly descending. And they did this to the dozen or so of people in front of, and behind, me. They had no hesitation or consideration for the fact that we have the right of way and are on a very dangerous stench of the trail.

Shame on you if you are one of these people. You are more than allowed to run trails to your heart’s content but not at the expense of others. This was midmorning on a Saturday and the trail was clearly going to be busy. It is your responsibility to be able to make your descent safely and without compromising others.

Beyond this aside lamenting the surprising rudeness of some people, I would highly recommend this hike.

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