We grew up hearing of the fabled Devil's Backbone, one of the gnarliest hikes that we were never able to check off our ramble list growing up. Dad had always talked about it, but wasn't exactly down to attempt a 13 mile hike with two girls under age 10 at over 10,000 ft. in elevation. Now that we're training for Mt. Whitney later this summer, it seemed the perfect time to finally check this off our list!
The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT.
GETTING THERE:
While there's multiple routes up, we opted to complete the loop via the Baldy Bowl (Ski Hut) route - and then to take the Notch and Backbone on the way back down. You'll first need to purchase an Adventure Pass.
Adventure Pass: An adventure pass can be purchased for $5 and will allow you to park anywhere in the San Bernardino National Forest. We purchased ours at the Mt. Baldy Visitors Center on the way to the trailhead; specific coordinates: 34.238627, -117.657732.
Where to Park: We parked at the Manker Flats trail head: 34.2664, -117.6269.
Where to Start: Once you park, you'll realize the trail head is listed as the San Antonio Falls trail. You'll follow the signs for the falls then continue up the hill to your right. Follow the trail until you see a cut off to your left, shown in the photo below. This is where you'll start the route up to the Baldy Bowl: 34.2679, -117.6301.
Once you're on the Baldy Bowl (Ski Hut) trail, the path is clearly worn and it's easy to find your way to the top!
Ski Hut pictured below, it's a great point to stop for water, snacks, and to admire the vast view of the Baldy Bowl. Ski Hut coordinates: 34.2813, -117.6387.
Passing through the Baldy Bowl to begin the real climb -
My lil' trail angel helping to ward off AMS with lots of water and M&Ms! AMS, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, should be taken very seriously if you're susceptible. Pacing yourself slowly, drinking lots of water, and consistently replenishing energy sources can be key to helping ward off the symptoms of AMS.
This is the view to your back as you begin to make your final ascent to the top! Take breathers to enjoy the view and be sure you're drinking plenty of water. Heads-up, there are NUMEROUS routes through this section, and there's no right or wrong path. Pick the approach that feels the most comfortable to you, all routes will ultimately lead to the same summit!
Finally summited! You can catch a glimpse of the Devil's Backbone to the right in the photo below.
LET'S CUT TO THE CHASE:
Adventure Pass: $5 to park anywhere in the National Forest
Where to park: Manker Flats Trailhead, 34.2664, -117.6269.
Trail cut off for the Baldy Bowl Route (via San Antonio Falls): 34.2679, -117.6301.
Essentials: WATER, snacks, sunscreen, glasses and/or hat (this hike has LOTS of exposure), light jacket as it can get windy at the top, and finally friends!
Dog Friendly: While we didn't bring the corg, this hike IS dog friendly!
Replenishing water: If you find that you did not bring enough water, you can replenish your water at the Top of the Notch restaurant. The restaurant is located near the lifts at the Baldy Notch. OR, you can grab an *almost* victory beer before your trek back down!
So get out to the San Bernardino National Forest ASAP and SUMMIT THIS PEAK!! The feeling of accomplishment in knowing that you've bagged a 10,000 ft. peak is completely worth it! Stay safe, hydrated, and please definitely let me know how it goes!!
Happy rambles, always!
