Life Or Something Like It: Mount San Antonio "Mount Baldy"

Yesterday I accomplished something huge! I summited Mount Baldy and further, the tallest peak in Los Angeles County...18 miles with a 15 pound pack. 15 pounds may not seem like a big deal but when you're 4'11" and 100 pounds with a 3,950 elevation gain, it can feel like quadruple the weight. We started the trail at 7:40 am and probably did not finish until 4:30 pm. The reason why it took so long was because we decided to do the Mount Baldy loop but made a wrong turn! Our 7 hour hike turned into a 9 hour hike. Before you make any assumptions, let me discuss the trail itself. Once you start the trail it's a fairly recognizable trail; however, there are no mile markers or signs indicating where to go. It's as if you just follow what looks like a trail up. Much of the trail is shaded and weather and winds during this time of year can be tricky so layering is key. Much of the hike is incline and will make you sweat! With that said, bring lots of water and snacks to rejuvenate yourself! At the halfway mark which is about where the ski lifts and cafe is, the hike gets a little bit more challenging. There is a point in the hike called, "The Devil's Backbone," where the trail is very narrow. One wrong footing, you can fall and hurt yourself severely...or even die! However, the views are breathtaking. The last mile before you reach the top is the most gruesome but rewarding. The winds here definitely picked up and snow was still present at this point of the hike. Once you reach the top, you will see gorgeous 360 views of the mountains and feel pretty accomplished. Don't pat yourself on the back just yet, coming down is a challenge as well and whether you go the same way you came or a different route, all ways can be difficult. If you decide to take the loop, pay close attention because missing the turn can be easy. Trails down that path are not as recognizable and are definitely more steep. Once we reached the bottom, the trail lead us out on the street, 5 miles from the parking lot of the base of the Mt. Baldy hike. My cousin and I hitched a ride with a lovely couple, Katia and Dave, who drove us back to our car while our friend Kwan travelled an extra 2 miles to hitch a ride with a local who said it was very common for hikers to miss the loop during the hike and happens every weekend. What boggled us was if it is so common and happens on a weekly basis, why haven't the rangers fix the issue by posting actual signs for the hike? Anyway, it was still a wonderful experience with friends and family!

Hike Breakdown:
Level: Very Difficult
Distance: 10.33 miles (we hiked 18 miles, Kwan hiked 20 miles)
Elevation Gain: 3,950 feet
Parking: Adventure Pass required or Day Pass