Mt Baldy Hike from Manker Flats - via Baldy Bowl?

Let's start the New Year with a hike to the summit of Mt Baldy on a weekday and work off those extra calories we consumed at the New Year Day dinner.

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Our route will be 8 miles total with an elevation gain of 4000 feet to the summit at 10,064 feet. Lets gather up at the Manker Flats trailhead and hike off to the ski hut. From there we will assess the snow condition, our level of fitness, and our appetite for a thrill and some may decide to try a hike straight up Baldy Bowl. Others will take the more common and very beautiful trail to the summit. We will all meet at the summit for a group hike on the trail back down to the ski hut and then back to Manker Flats parking area.

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We hope to finish and be back at the trailhead before 4 PM. A forecast for significant chance of bad weather will cancel the event or perhaps we'll move the hike to another more accommodating location. Check the comment section for updates before driving to the meetup event location.

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Bring whatever equipment you are most comfortable with for shallow snow hiking. Mirco spikes will likely be adequate for the conditions we are hiking in and may not be needed if you are hiking the trail to the summit. If you want to attempt a Baldy Bowl climb you may choose to bring a helmet and/or an ice ax. We will NOT be roping up or using harnesses.

Kenneth can be contacted by voice or text before 7:15 AM on the morning of the hike at 310-977-1682. There is not cell phone service at the Manker Flat trailhead.

Disclaimer:

For all trips, wear boots or sturdy shoes, and bring lunch, lots of drinks, warm clothing (depending on altitude and weather forecast). The trip "leader" is a volunteer and not a real leader (i.e. not liable for the group). Think of it as hiking with a group of friends. Joining this group is entirely voluntary and participants assume the full risks associated with the activities. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that s/he is in sufficient fitness and health to participate in a strenuous hike, with the appropriate water, food, clothing, first aid, and navigation equipment for the conditions. This group and the individual organizers make no warranties about the safety or supervision of these activities.