Mt. Baldy via Register Ridge (return via Backbone)

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/3/3/4/event_218809972.jpeg

Gain: ~5,000 feet
Distance: 8+ miles
Difficulty: Strenuous

The ultimate short cut to Baldy.

Please do not sign up for this hike if you are not prepared to hike 5000 ft on a very, VERY steep use trail.

This well-traveled use trail splits off near the beginning of the Ski Hut trail and runs straight up Register Ridge before intersecting with the Devil's Backbone trail just below Mt. Harwood. It's steep, but not particularly loose or dangerous, with minimal exposure (but fantastic views to both sides of the ridge). Please be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. Right now the forecast for Manker Flats is with a high around 50 degrees and the forecast for the summit is a high of around 46 deg. Forecasts can be wrong though... it might be hotter than these highs and it might go lower than these lows!

After we summit, I'm going to head down the Backbone trail to the Notch. We can hike down the fire road or take or you can take the Ski Lift down. I believe the cost is $12 per person.

I PLAN TO STOP AT THE BALDY INN in MT. BALDY, CA for a bite to eat and refreshment.

You will need a National Forest Adventure Pass to park at Manker Flat. They can be purchased at the Baldy Visitor Center in Baldy Village (en route to Manker).

WHOM DO I SUE: This is not an official organization chartered to make certain any level of safety greater than when you venture into the Wilderness by your lonesome; if you want something like that seek out the Sierra Club with their rules, regulations and signed waivers of liability. Do not expect organizer(s) to check the qualifications of anyone you are hiking or climbing with. Any questions asked of you when you sign up is to ensure the organizer(s) safety, nothing more. If you have doubts about going on this particular meetup, you should find someone you trust, go alone or choose not to participate.