| Peak | Mt Baldy |
|---|---|
| Group | N/A |
| Trailhead | Manker Flats Trailhead |
This was the first peak me and my wife started with after only doing the hike up from Manker Flat to Baldy Notch a couple weeks before. This time we decided to go all the way up to Mt. Baldy.
We started up the trailhead at 6:21, since we had already visited the falls nearby the trailhead weeks before we decided to pass them in favor of achieving reaching the summit. The first three miles up to Baldy Notch were easy as we had already done that before.
After reaching Baldy Notch, the first trek up thru Devil’s Backbone definitely had us winded. Once we reached the top of the ski lifts, it got easier but much more narrow. The views however were amazing.
It must’ve taken us about 1 1/2 hour from the the time we started up Devil’s Backbone to finally see the summit. I’m not sure what the name of that area was however you could see the trail leading up to the peak.
It must’ve taken us about half an hour up the hill to finally reach the summit. The views once up at the summit was awesome! Plus the achievement of reaching the top was also awesome!
There were lots up at the summit as well this day. We took pictures and ate a light lunch before heading back down.
The trek down must’ve taken us about 2 1/2 hours to reach the trailhead. We ran the majority of the trail from Baldy Notch all the way down.
Overall, this was an awesome hike which we would do again. Maybe next time during winter.
Thx for the report. PLEASE if you go in winter, do NOT do Backbone in the snow! My weekend hike group guide knew every person who died or was rescued on Baldy this winter, and a few of our hikes had to be cancelled as she had funerals to attend. It was very sad and very real. Even extremely experienced adventurers with crampons and ice axes who know how to self-arrest have fallen to their death on that part of the trail. All her friends were some of the most experienced, and one slip is all it takes. My hike guide has done the Himalayas and won’t touch Backbone in snow/ice or heavy winds, and I totally trust her xp.
If there is a lot of snow, have fun skiing the Manker green trail or the other chutes instead! And enjoy some hot chocolate at the lodge!