Mount Baldy (San Antonio) via Baldy Bowl

The hike begins at Manker Flat (~6,100 ft), already at a higher elevation than most hikes in Southern California. From here, you’ll follow the fire road briefly before branching off toward the Baldy Bowl / Ski Hut Trail area, beginning your clockwise ascent up the backside of the mountain.
Early on, the trail moves through forested sections with hardy, wind-shaped pines, some of them old and twisted from years of exposure to the elements. These trees become more sparse as you gain elevation, gradually giving way to more open terrain.

The climb is steady and demanding. You’ll encounter long stretches of steep ascent and loose talus, requiring careful footing and consistent effort. As you move higher, the air becomes thinner and the temperature noticeably cooler. The final portion of the ascent—roughly the last 2–3 miles—is fully exposed, with expansive views opening in every direction. This is where the scale of the mountain really sets in.

At the summit of Mount Baldy (10,064 ft), you’re standing at the highest point in the San Gabriel Mountains. The environment is often windy and significantly colder, even in summer, with wide, uninterrupted views across Southern California. From the summit, the route transitions onto Devil’s Backbone, a narrow ridgeline that provides one of the most scenic and exposed sections of the hike. The descent continues along this ridge before dropping toward the Baldy Notch ski area.
From the ski area, the final stretch follows a wide, gradual fire road back to Manker Flat, giving your legs a chance to recover after the steep descent.