Mt Baldy Hike Directions Made Easy

Video Description

Easy directions for the Mt Baldy loop via Devil’s Backbone & Ski Hut Trail. *Gear I'm Using Now:* * inReach: https://hkgy.co/inreach * Hiking App: https://hkgy.co/app * Watch: https://hkgy.co/watch * Shoes: https://hkgy.co/shoes * Pack: https://hkgy.co/backpack * Rescue Insurance: https://hkgy.co/insurance *Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):* https://hikingguy.com/gear *Links:* * Map: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/los-angeles-hikes/mt-baldy-hike/ * Website: https://hikingguy.com * Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy * Monthly Hiking News (free): https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy/ * Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Hikingguy Mt Baldy is the tallest peak in Los Angeles County and one of the most popular hikes in Southern California. In this video, I take you through the full 11-mile loop via Baldy Notch, the Devil’s Backbone, and the Ski Hut Trail. This route climbs nearly 4,000 feet, so it’s no casual stroll — you’ll need to be prepared, avoid winter conditions, and steer clear if there’s any chance of thunderstorms. Done on a clear summer day, it’s one of the most rewarding hikes in the area, with summit views that stretch across the Mojave Desert, the San Gabriels, and beyond. We’ll start just past Manker Flats Campground, where parking can fill up early on weekends. The first part of the hike follows a paved road past San Antonio Falls, then turns to dirt as we climb gradually to Baldy Notch. From there, it’s up toward the start of the Devil’s Backbone. If you want to skip this climb, there’s a chairlift to the Notch, but I recommend hiking it for the views and the workout. The Notch area has restrooms, a restaurant, and ski area infrastructure — but we’ll pass through and continue toward the summit. The Devil’s Backbone is a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides. In summer it’s manageable if you take your time, but in winter it can be deadly due to snow and ice. The section is short — about 10–15 minutes — but it’s scenic, with constant views off both sides of the ridge. Afterward, the trail widens as we climb above tree line toward the summit. The final stretch is steep, but the payoff is 360-degree views from LA to the desert. From the summit, we descend via the Baldy Bowl/Ski Hut Trail. The route is steep and can be tricky to follow in places, but yellow poles and signs help keep you on track. We’ll pass the historic Sierra Club Ski Hut before continuing down to meet the dirt road we started on at Manker Flats. This loop offers a great mix of trail types — road, alpine ridge, rocky descent — and gives you the full Mt Baldy experience. If you’re tackling Mt Baldy, make sure you’re ready for the conditions with proper gear, plenty of water, and navigation tools. For GPX files, maps, and gear recommendations, visit hikingguy.com. --- *Disclaimer:* Some of these links are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.