My absolute favorite part of the Baldy hike! The views were amazing. Ok, maybe the restaurant was my favorite part of the Baldy hike, but the Devil's Backbone was very fun. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

I have been reluctant to hike this this part of the trail, due to my fear of heights. Fortunately, I'm in the middle of training for Mount Whitney in September and this was on my list of hikes to complete prior to. This trek was surprisingly easy to get through. I was able to control my fear and get past certain sketchy areas. There's a couple of areas that have sheer drops on either side. Don't panic and you'll be just fine. We started at 6am (7.31) and did the clockwise loop, up towards Sierra Ski hut and back down towards Mount Baldy Resort. We had to trek through 3 miles of Devil's Backbone... Prepare yourself mentally, if you're afraid of heights. I foucused on the trail and did not look down. However, I'm a curious soul, when I felt comfortable enough, I did look down. Honestly it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. The trail has narrow paths, but not as narrow as you think. Take your time and remember to breathe. Bring at least 3l of water, sunblock, wear good "gripping" shoes, and trekking poles. I didn't bring my trekking poles, but it might help you through this part of the hike. Happy trails! read more

Mount Baldy and the Devil's Backbone has been on my to do list ever since my husband and I moved to Los Angeles. But it always seemed to get pushed off -- due to bad weather, brush fires in the area... someone sleeping in! Umm, I won't name names. Finally, after years of excuses (often ending with, "wanna just hike Runyon?"), we finally accomplished it. And needless to say, this hike is no Runyon Canyon! Mount Baldy towers at 10,064 feet tall, making it the tallest mountain in Los Angeles county (and the highest in the San Gabriel Mountains). If you're coming from Los Angeles, you'll need to plan out your day and wake up early. We planned to leave at 7 AM. But the kids slowed us down. I know, blame it on the kids. But between feedings and diaper changes, the time just slipped away. And got out the door by 9 AM. It took us about 1.5 hours to drive to the Mount Baldy ski lift parking lot. It was a Saturday so traffic was light. Load up Google Maps before exiting, since cell reception is spotty as you climb higher into the mountains (at least with AT&T). The parking lot is just $5, or you can save a little by parking just below the lot. It adds about an additional 5 minute walk. We opted for the ski lift version to cut out the extra mileage (and just use the Top of the Notch Restaurant as our starting point). You can buy your ski lift tickets online at a discounted price ($20 per person), or purchase them upon arrival ($30 per person). Insider tip, if military or former military, ask about their discount. In total, the hike will take you anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to do roundtrip from Top of the Notch. We kept a quick and steady pace, and managed to do the entire trip just under 3 hours with a few stops to catch our breath along the way. About midway to the top, you'll reach a sign with the ominous name "Devil's Backbone." This part of the trail should be taken carefully. If you're afraid of heights, you'll be tested. My husband hates heights, so I was a little nervous how he'd handle it. But it wasn't too bad. Between the exhaustion, and pain, I think he didn't have time to worry about the steep drops. At certain points, the trail gets pretty narrow. Like any risky activity, take your time and don't rush it. It took us about 45 minutes to get through this portion to the peak. As you make your way along the Devil's Backbone, you'll occasionally pass through wooded sections. We suggest taking a break and grabbing some water in the shade. Hydration is key, especially as you make your way to the final stretch up the peak. The final stretch is a doozy. The last part involves a series of switchbacks along the loose rock trail. This is where you need to be pretty careful, especially if you didn't bring your hiking poles and wore tennis shoes. Just as you reach the top, psych... It's a false summit. We took a break for a good 10 minutes. There is a trail marker (that looks like a pole) at this point. You could take a break or just power on through. You are about 30 seconds from the real summit. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with views of the desert stretching in all directions. On the weekend during the summer, the peak will likely be packed with other hikers. I love that there is even a photo opp (sign and all) for those Instagram shots. Yep, only in California! read more

I summited Mt. Baldy via Devil's Backbone and it was an amazing experience! Not only were the trails easy to find and clearly marked, the people that were also hiking on the trail were super friendly. There is not much social distancing done on the hiking trails or at the summit as most people are just exhausted from the summit. This is a strenuous trail that I would not recommend for small children, but the views cannot be beat. If you are trying to work on the SoCal "6 Pack" of mountains for Mt. Whitney, this is a great option to practice on. Make sure to walk from the parking lot all the way up via Devil's Backbone and take the same trail back for a nice 14 mile hike. Make sure you have enough water and some good shoes/socks along with snacks. I ended up giving a little apple sauce packet to another hiker on the way down because she was exhausted on the side of the trail and needed something to help her. Remember that quick sugars are better than complex sugars. Candy bars are not as good as fruit (but energy gels are an even better option than fruit). read more

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This is a pretty rough hike. The incline or decline is quite steep! Along Mount Baldy, the sign pointing to the Devil's Backbone was 1.2 miles... so I went on the trail just to check it out. I believe I have gone a bit too far in... maybe about 3 miles, so I had to hike back up to Baldy. It was tough with the nice incline. There was no sign indicating location until I bumped into a couple hunters. Luckily they didn't mistake me for a bear! Haha. Nice guys though as we spoke on the trail. They said that I was the only daring hiker to be around there... which I didn't have a clue. They asked if I was armed. No, I was not. Haha. They said the area going towards Lytle Creek is known for bears and deers. That kind of got me worried. So rushed back to the Baldy side. Overall, it's a beautiful hike. Lots of rocks and whisking grasshopper jumping around. I felt vulnerable and might have been prey. LOL. The views facing Lytle Creek was spectacular. The Pine Trees there was dropping Pine Cones. Would I do it again? My answer is yes. Just not alone. read more

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The hike can be tough, but it's definitely not impossible. Difficulty is all relative, I felt that the hike was moderate (I did take the lift up, which cut out about 2.3 miles). Also, we went on a beautiful cool summer day, so there was no snow or ice on the mountains. Personally I felt that the toughest part was the air becoming thinner. However, once I started my rhythmic breathing and kept a steady pace I was ok. I would say that the hike is definitely not for beginners, hiking boots and poles are optional but strongly recommended. Soon after you start the the hike by the notch, you encounter a very steep climb. Not too worry, this is probably one of the steepest parts of the hike! The last steep climb are the final ascent to the peak which can be done, slow and steady! There are gorgeous views of the skyline and surrounding mountain tops as you climb. The actual devil's backbone ridge is quite picturesque. You will definitely have a great sense of accomplishment and awe when you reach the top. The weather on a summary day will be just right, a cool of 70 with a breeze. However, if you go in spring or fall it will be very windy and cold. As many people have mentioned, if you are a beginner: Go in a group and go at your pace. If you run, bike, or do other cardio it will help when you reach the higher altitudes. Lastly, don't let your friends scare you. It is a beautiful hike and definitely do-able. read more

Devil's Backbone - Hiking Near Me - Mount Baldy, California

The Devil's Backbone trail is one of the trails that you go through when hiking up Mt Baldy. The Devil's Backbone is about 3 miles long and is has the appearance of a very narrow spine which is pretty sick for photos. read more

What a great hike! I went up Baldy for the fourth time a few weeks ago, and enjoyed it every time! Be careful when you decide to go though, because the first time I went it was over 100 degrees, this time it was over 90 degrees, and once I went in late October and the trail was already completely snowed in so I had to turn around since I didn't have crampons on any equipment with me. My friends and I showed up to Manker Flats at 6am on a Saturday, shortly after sunrise and we really thought we were the only crazy people who would be up that early. But no, turns out there's plenty of crazy people in the world since the closest parking lot was almost full by the time we got there. We managed to snag a spot though, and immediately made use of the two portapotties that are conveniently located by the trailhead. They smell TERRIBLE but better than nothing I guess? If you're starting at Manker Flats and going up Devils Backbone and then back down the Ski Hut path, I suggest you look at this very helpful guide: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/mt-baldy-hike/ He includes measurements down to the tenth mile mark and includes really helpful pictures so that you know what you're looking for! If you're going up the opposite way (through the Ski Hut first), the turnoff to the Ski Hut is a little steep and you really need to keep an eye out for it on your left hand side about a mile into the hike from the trailhead. We ended up going up and down Devils Backbone since that way we passed the Ski Lodge (different from the Ski Hut!) both times. It makes a really nice breaking point. It wasn't open when we passed it on our way up, but they leave the doors to the bathroom and water fountain open, which was really nice to use. On the way down, we were able to grab a cold drink and a small snack which felt great! Just a note re dogs... I brought three dogs up with us the last time I did it, and I don't think I'll ever do that again. One of my friends was a little slow so we didn't finish anywhere near as fast as I thought we did, so we ended up hitting 90 degree heat which made the dogs really suffer. However everyone on the hike was really friendly and nice about the dogs, and they were a hit at the summit! read more

Devil's Backbone - Dogs made it up! - Hiking Near Me - Mount Baldy, California

My 666th review fittingly goes to... Devil's Backbone! Devil's Backbone is a trail that stretches along the ridge of the mountain east of the Mt. Baldy summit. This trail boasts some of the most spectacular views in the Mt. Baldy area. At times, you are hiking on the ridge top where to the left and right of you are steep mountain slopes (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/devils-backbone-mount-baldy?select=b11nnmpMhdk25XoWh3ssiA#b11nnmpMhdk25XoWh3ssiA). Don't look down if you have a fear of heights, although I am not sure you should be here in the first place if you do cuz it's pretty extreme! From jaw dropping views of the Baldy Bowl (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/devils-backbone-mount-baldy?select=ASVFWNHhH6lFOk96TGWsaw#ASVFWNHhH6lFOk96TGWsaw) to the 10,064 ft. peak of Old Baldy, hiking to the summit via Devil's Backbone trail is a must for any serious hiker! By distance, hiking from the Baldy Notch (where the ski lift drops you off) to the Baldy summit is just 3.2 miles, or 6.4 miles round-trip. Don't let the short distance fool you, because this is a pretty tough hike especially if you aren't used to hiking in high altitude. The first time I came here, I thought I would breeze through this hike and I got my butt handed to me. I fought altitude sickness and took over 2 hours to summit at 10,064 ft. I later found out that the hike starts at 7,802 ft. elevation which is higher than any place I had hiked at the time. By comparison, Mt. Wilson peaks out at only 5,710 ft. I had no idea how much more difficult hiking is at higher elevation! If you're a hardcore hiker, you can even start your hike way below at the San Antonio Falls/Manker Flats parking area or by the Mt. Baldy ski lifts parking lot to extend the hike even more! I would actually say that the toughest parts of the hike are the beginning and the end. The first section of the hike from the notch to the start of Devil's Backbone is slightly over a mile. This stretch is on pretty steep slope and could sap all your energy. Be sure to take enough breaks and hydrate yourself because it's a lot of work just to reach the Devil's Backbone trailhead. And the final stretch where you climb the slope to the summit is quite strenuous. I took breaks like every 5 minutes, climbing where the trails weren't so visible in the snow. This last part before summiting probably took me an hour! All in all, a breathtaking trail both literally and figuratively; did you know it's much harder to breathe in the thin air at high altitude? For those who plan to come here in the winter or when there is snow/ice, I would highly recommend you bring traction device for your boots like microspikes or crampons. On the Devil's Backbone, one slip could mean a one way ticket to... hell...? read more

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IN HONOR OF NATIONAL TRIALS DAY, June 7, 2014!!! BACKGROUND: In the United States, National Trails Day® (NTD) is the American Hiking Society's trail awareness program. Each year events are held to help promote awareness of the wide variety of benefits that trails provide, to encourage people to discover their local trails, to raise awareness of trail issues, and to instill excitement for the outdoors. National Trails Day ® is held every year on the first Saturday in June, although some local events could be held on other dates. Every year on National Trails Day The Crew hikes to the top of Mt. Baldy starting from various trail heads; Register Ridge, Ski Hut, Ice House Canyon, Devils Backbone, and Bear Flat, all with varying degrees difficulty. Know your limits. Mount San Antonio, commonly known as Mount Baldy, at 10,068 ft (3,069 m), is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, and the highest point in Los Angeles County. Mount San Antonio's sometimes snow-capped peaks are visible on clear days and dominate the view of the Los Angeles skyline. STEP OFF: This is a throwback review in honor of this celebration, show appreciation for, and lovingly give back to the hiking trails we so often take for granted. STATS: Distance: 6.6 miles Elevation Gain: 2,350ft. Max elevation: 10,064 ft. Not for beginners WARNING: Be aware of changes to your body, altitude sickness is possible http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altitude_sickness http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/22/dominic-belletti-dead_n_2527345.html ESSENTIALS: Hiking shoes with good lug soles Water Layered clothing Hiking Poles Layers, it gets quite windy at the top Snacks Camera Sun screen (UV rays are stronger at 10,000+ft.) Hat (optional) Money (cash or credit) OUR ROUTE: Summiting Mt. Baldy took a while to get onto my "to do list". After over a year of hemming and hawing, I finally, in 2011, gave into its calling. I was not thrilled the first time, or the second, third, fourth, and fifth time. Sure the 360 degree view from the top is quite breathtaking, but it's mostly a trail hike. There are multiple ways to reach the peak of Baldy, and on National Trails Day 2013, I took the trail most traveled, yet shortest distance, the Devil's Backbone Trail. Round-trip ski lift tickets can be purchased at the ski lift, parking lot. The ride up to the Notch at the crack of dawn, even in June, is quite chilly, so bring layers. Jumpin' off at the top, outside the doors of The Notch, is where our hike began. The Devil's Backbone is a typical ridge-top trail that offers views on either side of the trail, with some unstable rock climbing and scree that offers breathtaking views, as well as getting the heart pumping for those afraid of heights. If you checked out the link above, hiking Mt. Baldy from any starting point can be dangerous, even deadly, so take great care while hiking and don't hike alone. The narrow trail gives way to a steep slope of scree. Cross a forest of sparse pines to a saddle between Mt. Baldy and Mt. Harwood. The steepest section of the trails is covered in 0.7 miles of switchbacks. As we climbed, we could see in the distance, Mount San Gorgonio to the east and Mount San Jacinto to the southeast. Once at the top pictures were taken, food was shared, and some even took a nap. After our break at the top we headed back the same way to The Notch. The 0.7 miles to the saddle between Mt. Baldy and Mt. Harwood was a slippery slope of loose gravel. Finally, The Notch, a restaurant at the top of the ski lifts that offers food, beverage (kid friendly, as well as adult friendly) souvenirs, and clothing. Also, I believe, but not certain, lockers for skiers during the winter months. This was supposed to be a one and done for me, yet, I've hiked to the top of Mt. Baldy seven times. This year I will be celebrating National Trails Day elsewhere, not because of my dislike for Baldy, it just didn't work out this year. I'm sure I'll be back next year. My dislike for trail hikes knocks this one down a star. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. #HIKING #MtBaldy #Notforbeginners read more

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Devil's Backbone is named as such due to the trail traversing the ridge of the mountain with essentially nothing on either side - in other words, it's elevated, like the spine, and drops down on either side. It can be used to climb up to or down from Mount Baldy. If climbing up to, it would be a strenuous hike. I have only climbed down from Baldy via this route, and although long, it's not very strenuous. It's mostly flat and downhill. It will lead to the Baldy Notch, where the ski lift is located. From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to Manker Flats. The scenery is quite beautiful here, as it affords 360 degree views. It's definitely worth a trip here if you are up for a challenge. read more

Devil's Backbone - view from Devil's Backbone - Hiking Near Me - Mount Baldy, California

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Devil's Backbone (Mt. Baldy) The hike up to Baldy peak is challenging. The steep climbs, the loose rocks, the hot sun, and the elevation gain makes this 3.5-mile hike tough. We passed through the Devil's Backbone on our way down from the peak heading towards the Mt. Baldy ski resort. In my opinion, this stretch of the hike was the easiest and the most dangerous. It's easy to take the Devil's Backbone for granted. It's a long way down if you hike off this trail. The trail is somewhat flat, but only wide enough for two skinny people or one endomorphic me. I did my research and found out that this part of the hike took a few lives over the last couple of years. Knowing this, I made sure that I was hydrated before I crossed the Devil's Backbone, I chose not to look down, and watched every step. Have Fun! Be Safe!! read more

We hiked Devil's Backbone down from the Mt Baldy Peak and boy was I excited to spot it, appearing nice and level in the distance. It was a breeze compared to the way we came up and about a mile less than our climb up from Manker Flats. I can't imagine coming up it would have been much different. It felt like a nice and easy walk back until the very end when the conditions were super rocky. This lasted about 5-10 minutes and was the only part I'd consider not so much fun. I heard a guy say "here it comes" and thought he must be referring the ski lift near the Lodge, little did I know he was referring to the only real hellish part of Devil's Backbone. It certainly wasn't devilishly tantalizing as one site described it. I had anticipated an extremely narrow trail with serious drop offs on both sides and not once did I ever experience a section that made me nervous, which I was sort of hoping for :) We did have hiking poles which proved most useful on the very first descend from the peak. It was a nice and enjoyable way down from the way we had come up. I believe this trail is around 3 miles each way and took us about 2.5 hours one way (down). read more

Getting an early start on the Mt. Baldy hike is the way to go. My buddy and I arrived at Manker Flat at 7:15am (I totally forgot about the Adventure Pass and luckily there was a random little shop in Baldy village that was open at 7am). I was going to have us ascend via the Ski Hut trail, but I missed the turn-off and we wound up taking the Devils Backbone Trail. I'm glad we did -- it was a much easier climb and we made it to the summit in just under 3 hours. The one tip I would advise is to stick to the RIGHT when you continue past Baldy Notch. The wide trail on the left looks tempting, but it get incredibly steep after about 100 yards. The final climb to the summit is a very rocky and switchback-laden stretch of trail. Descending via the Baldy Bowl trail while lacking trekking poles did us in. My friend and I were slippin' and slidin' for a while on some gravely patches of trail. We completed the 10.6m round trip hike in just under 6 hours Is it normal to be SUPER sore after one of these hikes? Man, my butt is still achin' -- haha. read more

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I've been wanting to hike Mt Baldy for a while now, and we got a Groupon that including a lift ride to the Top Notch Restaurant and $20 towards lunch. I came into this hike not knowing what to expect. First off, it's definitely not a walk in the park. You start off by hiking up one of the diamond trails of the ski area just to get to the beginning of the trail. Once there it gets a little easier until you get closer to the peak at which time you pretty much go straight up on a trail of rocks so you need to be extra careful so you don't slide down the mountain. Total distance is about 4 miles. Once you get to the top, you realize that it was all worth it. From here you can see Lake Elsinore to the south, the Long Beach Spruce Goose dome, Victorville to the east and Mt Wilson to the north. Make sure to be prepared with good shoes, water and snacks. And expect to be very sore the next day. If you are not properly conditioned, you may have a hard time. read more

I am SO afraid of heights. I visited my son who is a junior at University and he suggested this mountain. I wasn't sure I was ready even though I used to be a serious athlete. It wasn't too bad. We made it to the top in around 2.5 hours including a few quick stops (not via backbone). The incline was steep and I really had to keep up pace with my son. I was surprised that I was in much better physical shape (as far as altitude) than I thought. Thankfully, the Devils backbone was on the way back bc i never afraid of heights going down. Weird. Only on the way up. I was strolling through it. I want to b back but this time record my trip on my panasonic camera with gimbal somehow. read more

This is an ass kicker of a hike. You will taste a bit of hell when climbing the incline and will be ready to give up multiple times, but PUSH THROUGH! By the time you're about to give up, you're already at the top. (That was me) I came here beginning of April 2015 and there were some snow caps around the trail, but not directly on it. Hiking on a weekday allowed for very empty trails, which can be a good or bad thing. If you get lost, the chances of running into people are very low. Consider coming here on a weekend so that the chances of you running into a hiker are higher if this is your first time. Taking the next step to becoming a better hiker/backpacker means pushing through the pain when you're at your worst. As it should be known, Mt. Baldy is not a hike for first timers. The dirt is very loose here, making it easy to slip off and fall if you're not careful. The huge incline with high altitude makes it easy for you to get dizzy with lack of oxygen. Please remember to always stay where you KNOW where you are (ON TRAIL.) Do NOT go off trail if you are lost. My group and I went off trail and got lost on the decline. We had to climb back up on the trail, but it was much safer than getting lost in a place that we were unfamiliar with. TIPS: Bring painkillers if needed. My legs were in an insane amount of pain along with a migraine, making it difficult to hike. I pushed myself mentally, not giving up. Remember: #NOEXCUSES. You can and will do it! Make smart decisions and always be prepared for the worst. read more

Devil's Backbone - Yes, this is the hellish incline. You can do it! - Hiking Near Me - Mount Baldy, California

You're the devil in disguise (oh yes you are) This deceptively short 6.4 mile hike (round trip from the ski lift drop off) should not be taken lightly! I think the highest elevation I've hiked at before was around 8,000 ft, and the first time I did that (but with a pack), it was pretty awful to adjust to. The hike here starts at around that elevation and goes to 10,000 ft, so beginners...start those breathing exercises. The first part of the hike to reach the trailhead is pretty brutal. You do a rapid ascent that is steep and seems to go on forever. Don't be discouraged, it does level off. Eventually. My friend, a beginning hiker, started to feel dizzy and nauseous during this time. Make sure to take frequent breaks and go at your own pace if this is the case! It's not a race, but to the cross-country runners we saw on the trail - props. Compared to the first part, the actual "backbone" is pretty easy. Just don't fall off, I guess. I'd be scared shitless doing this hike in the winter with all the ice, that's for sure. Unfortunately, we did not summit due to time constraints, plus our friend was super exhausted and unwilling to do the second altitude climb that awaited to get to the peak. I'll be back to conquer you next time, and maybe I'll go from the base so I don't have to pay from the ski lift! The way back was a breeze compared to the ascent, just step carefully around those rocks. This trail was very crowded, so keep that in mind if you don't like populated trails. It seemed like for the most part, people packed out their trash. Good on you guys! Views were not the most exciting for me personally, but it is still quite nice. What's pretty awesome is that once you're done hiking, you can ring the bell at the bottom and then go immediately to the restaurant to get a side of fries along with your sense of accomplishment. After all, you deserve it :) read more

Devil's Backbone - That's where the name comes from! - Hiking Near Me - Mount Baldy, California

I did not do my research before doing this hike, but thank goodness I didn't or I probably would've talked myself out of it. I'm afraid of heights so this was terrifying to me. The portion that is actually the "Devil's backbone" is not that long, but those narrow walkways where there's nothing beside you feel like forever when you're walking it (at least to me). We did the trail towards the end of summer so the weather conditions were fine. It gets cold at the top of Mt. Baldy so I definitely was not prepared for that. I'd take caution in the winter months when the trail can be icy/snowy. I believe I heard there are multiple deaths each year during winter time. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks as well! The views from Mt. Baldy are nice and you feel accomplished when you reach the top. You can choose to go back down the Devil's Backbone but there's also 2(?) other ways down. We took a different trail down that was much steeper and rockier. Some parts of the trail weren't clearly marked so we weren't always sure we were on the path but we made it down safely. It's all street parking. The earlier you get there the closer you'll be to the trail head. If you go later in the day you'll have to park farther down and have to walk more, but that's what you're there to do so I don't really see a problem. read more

Beautiful hike. Very strenuous. My search and rescue team is designated to this area and there are always UNPREPARED people. During the summer months have AT LEAST 2 liters of water and your 10 essentials. During winter, do not attempt to hike to the summit without proper mountaineering year. We lost one of our veteran Search and rescue members on a search for an individual who was not prepared for a winter hike. Love the mountain, enjoy the mountain and RESPECT the mountain. It's not going anywhere. Happy read more

Just breathtaking ... literally Amazing views, great challenging climb. We were told that it's dangerous in the winter time because you cannot see the hedges and can fall thousands of feet to a very painful death. So... maybe don't go when there's snow. read more

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The devil's backbone itself was not as scary as people said! Previous reviews definitely made me nervous and made me want to rethink my plans of taking this way up to the summit but I'm glad I didn't listen to them. Granted, there was no snow or ice. Find out the weather before you make your decision. I definitely would not take this way if it was snowing because I'm a very clumsy person. The backbone wasn't too narrow. I'm afraid of heights and this wasn't bad at all! Still, take your time and watch your steps. Take this trail if you can, views are very nice. read more

Devil's Backbone - Hiking Near Me - Mount Baldy, California

This Trail is about 6 miles to the summit first you have to climb up to Mt. Baldy Ski hut then on the left side you can choose whichever trail you want but most likely you'll end up crossing the Devil's Backbone on your way to the summit. So I went hiking alone here last memorial day just because.... Woke up at 6 am but i didn't get there until 7:30am since i have to do some stuffs like fixing my PC cause i woke up and it got infected... Anyways it started as a cold an a bit cloudy day and the sun rays passing trough the clouds made it really nice and dramatic as i drove up to Manker flats(this is where you park your car). As I arrive there's a lot of people getting ready to hike some are well equipped and some are kinda confused on what to wear and what to bring... Me all i have is my back pack filled with 2 lenses, camera, 4 bottles of water, knife and 3 bars of trail mix. Since i hate putting on some sunblock i always end up wearing a compression shirt cause it dries really fast!!! And off i go!!! I tried to jog the first mile just trying to get the feel of it... from the parking lot, after about 1.25 miles you will see San Antonio Falls and you can always check it out before heading up or just drop by after the strenuous hike(its just a small falls, just like god peeing on you). all trough out the hike up to the Ski hut the trail is very easy and visible cause its a wide road and not well paved but a bit better than boulders... (but i like climbing boulders)... As i reached the ski hut area i got kinda confused which trail to take(its my first time trying this trail) good thing there's a couple behind me and i waited for them and asked for directions. But when i arrived to the Ski hut there's like 3 trails on the left and more on the right side so i was like a headless chicken confused and don't know where to go!!! And then i saw an old dude and i asked him and he just told me that i can take any trails on my left cause all of them leads to Devil's backbone. (There's something about the name "Devil's back bone" that made me climb this place). Since i have just been running like 2 miles a day my legs aren't used to long distance anymore so it started to burn especially on the steep slopes its gets harder and harder but its all in the mind so i just kept going until i crossed the devil's backone!!! i like this trail so much i was running and taking pictures then back to get my camera! From the ski hut to the summit it took me another 1 and a half hour so it not a really difficult hike at all.. if i can do it anyone can!!! or maybe... I'm 500lbs and 5 ft tall!!!! Pics: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oYuCj3WLdK_Rt2llCmP3ug?action_user_photos=1 http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oYuCj3WLdK_Rt2llCmP3ug?select=ITHXzmHwurVYRrTNTPgdww http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oYuCj3WLdK_Rt2llCmP3ug?select=0CeKAS4bDXEPrzocyiBF3A read more

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Beware- DO NOT hike this in the winter or early spring when there is snow on the ground unless you are an experienced mountaineer with snow and ice travel experience. In the early spring it can be deadly. A blue bird day is deceiving, as the snow usually is icy and takes time to soften up. There have been multiple fatalities here, people loosing footing, sliding hundreds of feet and bouncing off rocks and trees. Just because you have crampons and ice axe doesn't mean you're safe. Need experience. Don't even get close to the edge of the ridge, I've personally been involved having to call for rescue for people who slipped uncontrollably down the mountain while sightseeing. It's a scenic hike to do in the summer or late spring and much safer. read more

Up close to the clouds. So close, yet so far away. Breathtaking views. Made me forget the fact that I was experiencing excruciating altitude sickness. Before noticing the views, I almost wanted to roll over and die from the altitude sickness I was experiencing. There is no way to diagnose beforehand if you get altitude sickness, which usually happens above elevations of 8000 feet (Mount Baldy's peak is 10,064). If it does happen, try to do some slow, deep, and controlled breathing and drink plenty of water. The ground is very gravely, so I highly recommend hiking sticks. This is a pretty strenuous hike, but doable. Just keep a positive mind set and you will have an epic time! read more

After an excruciating hike up the Baldy Bowl trail to the Devil's Backbone, my friends and I were in for a treat. This spot is amazing! The views are breathtaking, the clouds are close enough to touch (okay, maybe not), the air is amazingly fresh, ahhh, is there such a thing called hiker's high? The trail is steep so do watch out, and if you've got a fear of heights, this may not be the best place for you to be. Find a hand to hold, and don't look down when you're crossing. My number one tip is to invest in a pair of hiking shoes if you're out to climb this mountain. There is a lot of loose gravel and some big hills, a regular pair of shoes won't make it out alive. No matter how hot the weather is, always bring an extra jacket, it can change drastically at the top (elevation 10,064 ft.). AND WEAR SUNSCREEN! A lot of it. Re-apply, you'll be here a while if you're an amateur. If you're out hiking Mt. Baldy, I absolutely recommend taking the Devil's Backbone. Whichever side of the mountain you go up, this is the best way to get across. Guaranteed! read more

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The words "what the eff! what is this half dome?!" burst out of my mouth when I saw the peak we were about to climb. We started the hike at San Antonio Falls. We approached a fork on the fire road about a quarter or half a mile into the hike. We took the right to climb up Mt. Baldy from the backside. From the lot to the Ski Lodge it is about 3 miles of fire road. Those first three miles are a pretty easy incline. There is a pretty steep incline at the beginning of the 3rd mile, after the ski lodge. Mile 4 is full of inclines, but you do get some rests in between. The first quarter mile of mile 5 is a stroll, up until you're faced with Mt. Baldy, that's when the cussing started. I kind of wasn't prepared for this one, mentally that is. It took us about an hour to ascend the mountain from the foot of the peek to the top. It's just a whole bunch of "gravely" switch backs that made me really consider buying walking sticks. Though the day was nice and sunny and weather.com said it was going to be 90 degrees, which it was down in the flatlands, it was pretty nippy after mile five, which I think is about 9,000 ft at that point. It was super nippy up at the peek. I suggest you come layered. We chilled up top for a minute, literally, and headed down the mountain. Most people come up the face of the mountain and it made for some traffic control, but people are too tired to care that you're blocking their path - and well - you know, hikers are super nice. The descent is a bit over 4 miles and it's a hard one. I slipped a couple of times, never fell on my ass, but I came pretty close. The descent was what finalized the walking sticks decision - hell yea I'm getting some walking sticks. That last mile we pretty much ran down the mountain. Though our legs were shaking and hella tired the running wasn't too difficult - gravity helped a lot. Definitely one of the most difficult hikes I've completed in the Angeles forest. My hat goes off to those runners I saw taking Mt. Baldy like champs. Total miles: 10 or so Elevation gain: Over 3,000 feet Water: 2 liters should do Pups: a-ok to bring Parking: Adventure pass required read more

This review is for doing the ENTIRE LOOP...about 13 miles for us from parking to round trip of the loop, not just some trails. REMEMBER: Start EARLY morning. We barely made it down as it was getting dark. We started at 12 PM and hiked until 8:15 PM on Memorial Day. Luckily, we still had light, but if we were a little later, we would've been in the dark. This hike, according to a hiking trails book, is categorized as a "strenuous" hike. Also, if you're afraid of heights, it may not be the best hike for you. It takes about 7 hours to finish the entire Mount Baldy loop, if you're not taking shortcuts, such as taking the ski lift up. I took 8 hours, as I took a total of 1 hour for snack breaks. I really enjoyed this hike. I think Baldy was said to be the highest point over the San Gabriel Mountains. The elevation is a bit over 10,000. It's about a 11 mile loop with about 4,000 elevation gain. Of course, the miles can be a bit longer or shorter depending on where you parked and which different trails you end up at. You must note, though, that there are only two major routes to the top, and even if you take somewhat of a different trail, once you're long in the hike, there's really no shortcut down, and you have to somewhat just keep going, unless you want to be stranded in the mountains. You start your hike going towards the San Antonio Falls. You keep going and go up to the Sierra Club Ski Hut. It's a green cabin-looking location. There are benches to stop and snack. When you reach this point, you think you're almost at the top. No way! If you're tired by this point, it may be better to just turn back. You cross Baldy Bowl, I think. The way up to the highest part in the San Gabriel Mountains is very tiresome because the whole way is a steep incline. For us, this meant it was 5 hours of steep, muscle-stretching incline. As there are two major trails to take, we took the more strenuous incline trails. If you go from the other end, it is easier. The view from the top is pretty. On the way up, we saw a man who was coming back down. He said he dropped his pedometer at the top and for us to take it if we ever find it and that it would be good karma. We thought it impossible to find amongst the rocks and all. We found it! As for going back down, most people went back the way they came because that saves about 2 miles. We didn't. We went to the Devil's Backbone Trail and through the Baldy Notch. Then we went through the road where the ski lifts are, and, without taking the ski lifts, passed through the San Antonio Falls area and back to the car. For us, it was about 13.5 miles A half marathon is 13.1 miles on paved straight roads. 13 miles with about 5 miles of steep mountains, very narrow ridges, rocky paths that can be a little slippery, etc. is not very easy. Hiking poles would be helpful for some portions. We went without them, and it wasn't bad though for us, but some parts I really wish I had them because I was sliding down on some parts. PARKING: Get the adventure pass. It's $30 for the annual pass ($5 more for a second vehicle). You can use it for several parks throughout. Park along Mount Baldy Road. The best place to park would be in the lot where it has the signs for the Mount Baldy ski lifts. We parked farther down, a bit past Manker Flats campground. This made it a bit harder for us to walk to the car when we were tired. This was definitely a hike to remember. Don't forget to bring tons of water and some snacks. Bring a jacket because the top is cold. Plan to get down long before it gets dark, but just in case, you might want a flashlight. read more

Oh. I didn't know one could review sections of a hike. Don't mind if I do. =) Devil's backbone has some spectacular views of Baldy and surrounding mountains - especially in the winter time. I'd actually suggest going during spring when snow is just melting so you don't get caught in inclement weather and you get the pictures of the wintery beauty. The only way I've come through Devil's Backbone was from the Mt.Baldly trail head to the top of Baldy (10,800 ft above sea level). So it tastes (oops, Freudian slip ... I meant, "takes" I swear!) a disastrously long time to get to the beginning of DB from there (3hrs?). If you're afraid of heights, reconsider. There's a long stretch where it's just you, the ground you walk on and mountain cliffs to the right and left of you. There are no guard rails. The first time I was up there, I really thought about sliding on my stomach and gripping the ground for dear life. =P read more

I hike less than 5 times per year and would not consider myself as an avid hiker. However, I do enjoy exploring nature and will not shy away from a physical challenge. The best compromise for me was to take the shortest route for the most challenging hike in the area. Devil's Backbone was the best match - a 6.4 mile roundtrip trail that reaches the top of Southern California's tallest mountain (Mt. Baldy) at just over 10,000' in elevation. There are numerous ways to get to Devil's Backbone: by hiking from the mountain base at Manker Flats, or for less experienced hikers by taking the ski lift up to the notch and then hiking up, or for people with big bags of money by taking a helicopter directly up to the top. I chose to take the ski lift because it shaved off the more uninteresting parts of the hike (~3 miles) with less scenery, and the Groupon deal looked too good to pass up. For $29, we received 2 round trip ski lift passes and two $10 vouchers to the Top of the Notch restaurant. To get to the ski lift, we drove up Mt. Baldy Road past Manker Flats and after several curvy 180 degree switchbacks, the road terminated at the ski lift parking lot. Note that the ski lift staff charges $5 for parking unless you had purchased an adventure pass. After a 15 minute scenic ride on the chair lift, we were dropped off at the notch (7800' in elevation). There is a restaurant at the top of the notch, and apparently on clear days, you can see Catalina Island from this level. Our hike technically started at the notch. The road diverged into two paths from the restaurant and we took a sharp left. We were met with a steep incline full of rocks over the first 1/2 mile. This was one of the toughest sections of the trail to hike because it was strenuous to the calves and thighs. About 1 mile into the hike, we reached the base of Devil's Backbone and were high enough to catch spectacular views of the Mt. Baldy slopes and nearby mountains. Continuing forward, there were numerous narrow and uphill switchbacks on loose gravel that seemed to go on forever. Finally, after about 1 mile of switchbacks, we were led to the base of the summit. The final climb to the summit was full of rocks and is as steep as the first 1/2 mile. This area was also very windy so it's advised to dress in layers. When we reached the summit, the clouds were close and the air was fresh. It was a magnificent lookout at 10,000'. The descent down Devil's Backbone was easier than the hike up, but a bit more dangerous if you are not properly equipped with hiking boots and hiking poles. I would not recommend wearing regular running shoes because it is easy to slip or slide on the rocks, especially on the narrow switchback paths. I fell on my ass twice in front of many people. It was especially difficult to walk down the final half mile which is not paved and is completely covered with slippery dirt and rocks. We started the hike at 9:45am and finished at 2:30pm. Our hike took much longer than expected because we took many photo and water breaks. Before we took the ski lift back to the car, we ate at the notch restaurant which served lackluster and subpar food, but understandable considering the fact that ingredients had to be shipped up to such high elevations. I enjoyed this portion of the Mt. Baldy hike because it was unpredictable and physically challenging. I would retry it from the base at San Antonio Falls in the future after some conditioning and endurance training. My tips are similar to what most people have already suggested: start early because it starts heating up at around 11am, and if you are only hiking the Devil's Backbone trail, bring 2L of water. Take lots of photographs and water breaks! It's important to hydrate yourself due to loss of water vapor from your lungs at higher elevations. read more

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Amazing hike! It ended up being 12 miles going up backbone and down to Mankers Campground. Parts going down were a little slippery with the more compact dirt, but most parts were fine. The incline wasn't too bad. I'd recommend to anyone who is at an intermediate level of hiking. Bring snacks and water! :) read more

Just thought this would be a good time to post something more recent and relevant. Two hikers unfortunately died recently due to the dangerous icy conditions. I believe they have closed it off for a couple of days. Proper equipment and skill during the winter time is a must. (Trekking poles, crampons, tethering ropes, etc.) http://www.pe.com/articles/mount-793823-baldy-hikers.html Be safe out there! read more

Talk about a real kick in the butt! The Devil's Backbone trail is definitely not for the feint of heart. This 12-mile loop involves hiking steep scree slopes, traversing across mountain ridges, dealing with strong crosswinds, and the likes. If you are an avid hiker, this hike is definitely a great workout and the views are magnificent from start to end! You can start the trail multiple ways. You can either start it from 1) the Visitors Center (Old Mt. Baldy Trail), 2) Manker Flats/San Antonio Falls (we did this one), 3) from the Sugar Pine Ski Hut parking lot (this trail intersects the Manker Flats trail closer to the Top of the Notch), or 4) from the Top of the Notch at the top of the ski lifts (shortest overall distance). Since we took the Manker Flats approach I suppose my review would gear more towards that. The Makner Flats/San Antonio Falls trailhead is located on the side of the road maybe a quarter mile from the Sugar Pine parking lot. When nearing the end of Mt. Baldy Rd., the two lanes of traffic will split and eventually, you will see a small left turn that allows you to cut across to the opposing side. From there you will see a wide opening and a white gate which is the start of the trail. The first section starts off paved up until San Antonio Falls which is roughly a half mile up. From there, it is another 3mi to the Notch where there is food, restrooms, etc. From the Notch, the peak is about another 3 miles away. The start of the trail from the Notch is northwest of the Notch alongside the 2nd ski lift. This is a 1 mile stretch of steep scree and eventually eases out when you reach the top of the ski lift. From here, it is another gradual 1.5mi ascent to the Baldy Bowl section. Here, you might be able to catch a glimpse of people climbing the last quarter mile up to the peak (you might stop at this point and question what you got yourself into). The final quarter of a mile to the peak is steep and rather confusing. There are trails that go every which direction, so as long as you can find a safe path up the peak, take it. At the top, you will be greeted with a 360 degree view of the vicinity, from the High Desert, to the IE, and even a decent amount of the San Gabriel Valley on a good day. At this point you can continue down the West Baldy trail to complete the loop, but our group decided to just go back the same way in which we came from. Total distance was just over 12mi. according to my GPS. Note: This hike is probably best done during the warmer months. If you plan to do this in late Fall or Winter, you may possibly need crampons and an ice axe as the trail may be covered in snow/slick ice. I would advise checking weather conditions to be sure that you won't hit any snow when going up and also be mindful of previous days' weather as the snow/ice may still remain from storms a few days (or even weeks) prior. Fortunately for us (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), California hasn't seen much wet weather this year, so even though we hiked it in the Winter, the trail was largely clear. There were only small spots of snow and ice throughout. read more

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I'm on this quest to do the 6 Pack Peak Challenge, which is hiking the 6 tallest peaks in Southern California to prepare for a bigger hike, I personally want to do Mt Whitney in the spring. You're suppose to hike them in order because of the elevations and difficulty of the hikes, I think Mt Baldy is #3 or #4 on the list. But anyways, about Devil's Backbone.... If you want a good challenge I would suggest doing this hike. Getting here: We took Mt Baldy Rd, stopped at the visitor center/ranger station to grab a map. Then we headed up the windy switch back road to the 1st parking area of Mankers/Ski Hut Trail. We planned on taking the Ski Hut Trail, but missed the trail head and ended up doing the 3.6 miles of fire road to the Notch (which is the ski lodge area/area where if you take the lift it drops you off at). From there, there are 2 paths to the left. We took the steeper middle path. That's the path where you pass the wood log swingon the right hand side. You can take either path to Devil's backbone. Once we reached the start of the Devil's Backbone, it's definitely steep on both sides. It took us 4 hours from where we parked to reach the summit. It was definitely a struggle. It seemed like every 5 steps we took we had to stop for a breather. Temperature drops. We did this hike on 9/27/2014, it felt like the temp droped to colder than 40 degrees. Definitely bring a jacket or windbreaker! It only took us 2 hours to descend. This hike is definitely a good one! We ended up doing 11 miles total of hiking. read more

I'm from Chicago, here in LA for two weeks for business. The midwest is not endowed with beautiful mountains and landscapes, so coming to LA, I knew I had to take advantage of the dozens of trails and mountains LA had to offer. I haven't really hiked up mountains before, and thought this would be a great challenge, which it was. It kicked my butt, but it was manageable. That said, some things I wish I knew prior to my climb: 1 - Stop by the visitor's center in the village for the parking permit prior to driving all the way up. You cannot miss it, on the way up, the center will be on your left. I drove all the way up thinking I could buy the permit there, but had to drive back down to buy it and then up again. 2 - I suffer from a pretty severe fear of heights, and the photos here don't really do justice in showing how steep the falls are on each side of the backbone. The backbone is one thing, but the next hour or so of the hike is along a ridge line and the trail does get pretty narrow at some points. That said, it shouldn't discourage you from trying. Other hikers stopped to see if I was okay because there was apparently a look of sheer terror painted on my face, and a lot of them admitted to having a fear of heights as well, and that it took several failed attempts before finally reaching the summit. On my way back down, however, I was able to truck through the trail with little to no anxiety. 3 - The backbone is only the beginning. There were a lot of first timers including myself who thought it would be a quick trip to summit from that point, but it's still quite some way before the summit. Okay, now to clarify the multiple approaches to the peak of Mt. Baldy: 1 - The Devil's Backbone trail approaches the summit from the east. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. Both the Devil's Backbone and Baldy Bowl trails end relatively in the same location, so a loop is possible. While both ascents are difficult, the descent along the Baldy Bowl trail I've been told is particularly arduous and dangerous due to how steep it gets. 2 - From the lift, you can either go up the fire road, up the gravel path, or take the lift. The lift is self-explanatory, and is $20 round trip. The gravel path is what I took, which is the steeper and shorter than the fire road path. It was pretty difficult, but a great way to warm up. 3 - All three options take you to the Notch, and from there, there are also three paths to get to the Backbone. There's another ski lift here for snowboarding season, and there are two paths that follow under the ski lift. It's been explained to me that these quickly converge into one path, and it's smoother, longer, and not as difficult. There's another path far to the right of those two paths, and that one is much steeper and is pretty loose. Those three (technically two) paths all lead to the Backbone, and from that point on, it's pretty straight-forward to the summit. Personally, it was definitely a challenging and fulfilling experience. Again with my fear of heights, there were a couple moments where I was paralyzed with fear and was so close to giving up and turning back, but I just kept telling myself to press onward. I swore that I was never climbing another mountain again on the way up, and was dreading having to deal with my acrophobia on the way back down, but surprisingly I was mostly relaxed and was thinking about what mountains I should climb next! The view is gorgeous, the breeze chilly, and the sense of accomplishment priceless. read more

We hiked up from Mankers flat. Lugging three liters of water up the fire road shortcut at 11AM in June was a trial. The Devil's Backbone hike seems to begin just after the Ski Lodge. What makes this 3.5 mile hike difficult is not it's height, narrow passages or drop-offs but the unrelenting climb, especially with gear in tow! There are sections featuring significant drop offs but these are easily navigated - however, I would certainly advise avoiding this trail if there is any significant snowcover or ice. There are two cardiovascularly challenging climbs, one just after the ski lodge and one just proximal to the peak. On the way back, enjoy a beautiful vista if twisted pines, weird desert alpine shrubbery and the satisfaction of a bagged peak. The views are beautiful from the peak, with patches of snow even in SOCAL mid-summer .This is a great one for getting you in shape! read more

This part of the hike up to Mt Baldy is really hot and dry. The views are amazing tho. read more

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WARNING: THIS TRAIL CAN BE THE ABSOLUTE WORST IF YOU DON'T HAVE PROPER HIKING SHOES! A couple of friends and I started from the Manker Flats parking area at 7am, and it took about an hour and 15 minutes to get through the fire road and reach the ski cabin at the top right before the Backbone trail. The incline here is steady but I definitely felt the burn -- perhaps because I was an idiot and did leg day at the gym the day before. At the cabin where the ski lifts drop people off, there's a decent restroom area to do your business before embarking on the Backbone - take advantage of it! At this point, there are two trails to the left, both of which will lead to the same area. The farther left path (I've heard) is slightly longer but easier, and not as steep as the one to its right, which is the one we took. LOOSE GRAVEL EVERYWHERE! Shoes are integral here, otherwise you'll be wasting a lot of your energy just trying to get stable footing. Beware, it's VERY steep, but more direct. The Backbone itself wasn't too bad in my opinion. It wasn't until the very last stretch before the top where it gets mega steep again, but there's a little bit of flatland to get you warmed up and prepared. Lucky for us it wasn't sunny when we went, because it's not even slightly shaded. Once you reach the top it's like a whole new world! Every strenuous step and deep heaving breaths be on worth it when you take in the view from the highest point in Los Angeles county. We stayed up there for about 40 minutes eating our lunch and taking pictures, then descended back down in a loop. I've heard that coming back the way you came is shorter, but with the trifecta of strong gusts, unstable footing, and steepness, we didn't want to take a chance. All in all it took us four hours to get up and three to get down. Good luck fellow hikers! read more

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This is definitely worth the hike but its not for the faint of heart. Its a serious 4.5 mile very steep hike. Take lots of water and good shoes. If you want to cut it in half and make it easier take the ski lifts up and start from there. read more

Devil's Backbone - Hiking Near Me - Mount Baldy, California

Hike down here from the top of Mt. Baldy. It's not too difficult but remember to wear some sturdy shoes to prevent slipping and feeling every rock..there are many many rocks. There is pretty much a 360 view. Very narrow and you do see out and down. That might be a bit scary if you are afraid of heights. The hike is extra long if you went to the top of Mt. Baldy from the other trail. read more