Mt. Baldy(San Antonio) Manker Flats loop (map)
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9 / 10 - Advanced level Hikers, no beginners
11 miles
4300 ft elevation gain
Approximate time ~ 5.5 - 6 hrs
Pace: Fast
Trail: Mostly trail, some ridge and fireroad. Should be snow on ridge.
Please read this overview. In addition, the latest comments suggest the trail can be done at this point, but there likely will still be snow toward the top.
Who Should Come?
Unfortunately due to time constraints, I cannot and will not be waiting very long for people to make it to the top. So those who want to stick by my lead should be in an 'advanced' level. This does not mean you hike but rather you are pretty into cardio training multiple times a week. I know Baldy is a great hike everyone wants to do, so of course it would be nice if someone else volunteered to lead others at a slower pace, but absent that, you are welcome to come but must assume you may not keep up. So if you aren't sure but want to try I would suggest coming with a friend.
What To Bring
Lots of water, as always. High altitudes dehydrate, so bring lots of water.
Bring some food.
Bring warm layers to add on and off, you will get warm going up, but it will be cool, then probably decently cold at the summit.
Bring boots, it is likely there will be snow and do not really want to get feet wet.
Bring poles, if you have them. They aren't necessary, but for many people they help a lot.
You will need an Adventure Pass to park at Manker Flats. $5 ticket if you don't have one.
Previous Hike and Photos
Most Importantly
hmm walkie talkies are a good idea...where's the welfare fund to provide them? i'm a poor graduate student!
I have an old soccer cone with a hole in the top. We could give that a shot.
Ze, it is easy. You just downgrade one of your steak diner to In & Out Burger.
With this $ you save, you can get the state of the art walkie.
GREAT! I don't have a good pair of hiking boots, just my trusty old mesh cross trainers, I need to consider buying some I guess...
but the snow is melting, MELTING! as we speak
Walkie talkie is use for contacting..when and where to meet for lunch!! or late lunch/early dinner (lunner). Yeah...the snow is melting as we speak..so is the fire in my neck of the wood. Speed up the H2O...
John, your soccer cone is so passe. You need to update to high tech walkie talkie!!!
my inside source tells me that the trail will be fine, there will be some snow but nothing that will prevent us from getting to the top!
Saturday was also nice hike day at Icehouse and 3T's. Hope to do Baldy again on a Saturday!
Yea, sloshing around in 4inch snow with mesh cross trainers isn't really fun.