Mt. Baldy via Register Ridge and Devil's Backbone (Level 3+/Strenuous)

*** Hike Description ***

We'll hike up to Mt. Baldy via Register Ridge, which intersects with the Devil's Backbone trail. Upon arriving at this busy intersection and slaying a few zombies along the way, we will continue to climb and tag Mt. Harwood en route to the summit. Upon reaching the top of Mt. Baldy, you will have the option to quickly tag West Baldy peak (1/2 mile away). Let's call it a Saturday morning mini 3-pack.

At the summit, we'll take a few photos and break for some snacks and toss around the frisbee. We'll then make our way back via the Devil's Backbone and briefly stop at the Baldy Notch and Ski Lift area (bar/restaurant/bathrooms available). For the return to Manker Flats, we will have the option to take the ski lift chair down ($12, cash or credit) or, for extra miles and points, walk/jog down a 3.5 mile winding fire road.

This hike is short & sweet, steep, and gets right to the point (aka, a "power hike"). The initial leg between Manker Flats and Mt. Harwood is over 2.5 miles in distance and 3,000 ft in elevation (a climber's delight). Along this ridge, you will encounter several areas of loose scree and footing - nothing that can't be overcome with slow, small, steady steps. Hiking poles are highly recommended if you got them.

*** Just the facts ***

OC Park & Ride: 7:00 AM (if applicable)

Start time: 8:00 AM @ trailhead

Distance: +/- 8 miles round trip

Elevation gain: +/- 4,200 ft

Trail head altitude: ~ 5800 ft

Summit altitude: 10,064 ft

Personal attitude: Positive

Hike Duration: 5'ish hours

Water: Bring at least 3 liters, plus a handy spare bottle for an unprepared soul.

General Weather Forecast: Mt Baldy Weather Forecast (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.28700625302503&lon=-117.64426231384277#.Um1zBvmsjBc)

*** General Rating / Difficulty ***

This hike is rated Level 3+/Strenuous due to high altitude, pace and elevation gain. This should not be your first mountain hike up Mt. Baldy. Click RATING TABLE (http://files.meetup.com/1554500/RATING%20TABLE.pdf) to learn more about hike levels. I reserve the right to admit/excuse any member from this hike. Know your limits!!!

*** What to Bring ***

Positive mental attitude, a lotta heart, hiking poles, plenty of WATER, snacks, hat/sunscreen, layers, snacks/light lunch and the Ten Essentials (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9535234).

*** What to Lose ***

Permanently rid yourself of any creepy nature and/or stalking tendency before attending this event. Do not attend this hike (or any other for that matter) and make any person uncomfortable, fearful or nervous about your presence. Hiking is and shall remain an enjoyable activity. Any personal interactions on this day shall be conducted in a positive, constructive and conscientious manner. Any failure to adhere to this ethos will result in immediate removal - pre-hike, mid-hike and/or post-hike - in addition to your removal from all future hikes.

*** DISCLOSURE ***

By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service and release the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS. YOU FULLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY.

*** Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers and risks that you should be fully aware of and understand. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyote, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you freely accept and fully assume all such risks and agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants of this event.