Mount San Antonio via Ski Hut Trail ("Three Saints" Series #1)

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Hike Organizer: Paul Kemp
Location: Mount San Antonio, Angeles National Forest
Hike Difficulty: Strenuous 8/10
Distance: 11 ¼ miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3900 feet
Time: 6-7 hours

San Antonio Peak is one of the "Three Saints," a name occasionally used to describe the high points of the three tallest mountain ranges in Southern California: San Antonio Peak, Mount San Gorgonio (high point of the San Bernardino Mountains), and Mount San Jacinto (high point of the San Jacinto Mountains). This will be 1 of 3 in a series of hikes.

INTRODUCTION: Mount San Antonio, also known as Mount Baldy, or Old Baldy, is the grand climax of the 50-mile backbone of the San Gabriel Mountains. No other peak in the range rises to challenge its 10,064 feet elevation. From its summit you look over a good part of Southern California – an expanse of mountain desert and coastal lowland. On a clear day, a hiker on its boulder-strewn top can make out the tawny ramparts of the southern High Sierra, 160 miles distant.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: From Manker Flat trailhead the trail follows the Baldy fire road as it winds around the ridge for a good view of San Antonio Falls, then climbs northward to the intersection of the ski hut trail on the left. We follow this trail to the Sierra Club Ski Hut at 8,300' elevation, across Baldy Bowl and up to the summit. The top is a gently tapered expanse of boulders, barren of vegetation, commanding the broadest panorama in the San Gabriels. We will return via the longer Devil's Backbone Trail, Baldy Notch, and Baldy fire road.

WHAT TO BRING: At least 3 liters of water, sunblock, sunglasses, something warm to wear on the summit, hat, camera, snacks for the trail (preferably high-energy), lunch etc.

DIRECTIONS: Take the 210 freeway east to Baseline Road exit in the City of Claremont, turn left (west) at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Baseline Road. Almost immediately, take the first right (north) onto Padua Ave, go 1.8 miles north on Padua to the intersection with Mount Baldy Road, and then turn right (northeast). Take this road northeast and then north about seven miles to Mt. Baldy Village. Pass through Mt. Baldy Village and in about four miles, intersect San Antonio Falls Road on the left (gated). This is Manker Flat, park here (A USFS Adventure Pass is required.)

For those wishing to carpool I suggest meeting at the Monrovia Park and Ride, just south of the 210 freeway on the west side of Myrtle Avenue. People in the first group should meet here at 6.30, people in the second group at 7.30.