⛰️ Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone Trail

This hike will be a first of more to come in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside Counties, such as San Gorgonio, Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon, Mt Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon, Bridge to Nowhere, Cactus to Clouds, etc.

Some hikes are simply exercise.
Others feel like genuine mountain journeys.
Mt. Baldy via Devil’s Backbone belongs in the second category.
This route climbs to the highest summit in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet, traversing one of Southern California’s most iconic ridgelines — a dramatic spine of rock and exposure suspended high above the surrounding valleys and desert.
The reward is not only the summit.
It is the entire experience:
the long ascent,
the changing terrain,
the growing sense of scale,
the alpine atmosphere,
the exposure to wind, sky, and distance,
and the satisfaction of earning extraordinary views through real physical effort.
This is a strenuous and demanding hike intended for experienced and well-conditioned hikers.
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🥾 The Route
We will ascend Mt. Baldy via Devil’s Backbone, from Manker Flats

• 14 miles round trip
• 4,000’+ elevation gain
• Highest elevation: 10,064’
• 8–10+ hours on trail depending on pace and conditions
Expect:
• sustained climbing
• exposed ridgelines
• rocky terrain
• high altitude
• strong sun exposure
• rapidly changing mountain conditions
This is not a beginner hike.
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🌄 Why This Hike Is Special
Very few hikes in Southern California combine:
• high elevation
• dramatic terrain
• massive panoramic views
• physical challenge
• and true mountain atmosphere
in such an accessible location.
The Devil’s Backbone section is especially memorable:
a narrow scenic ridgeline with steep drop-offs on both sides and nearly continuous views across the San Gabriel Mountains, Mojave Desert, and Los Angeles Basin.
By the time we reach the summit, it genuinely feels like we have traveled far beyond the city.
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⚠️ Important Expectations
Join only if you are comfortable with:
• steep sustained climbing
• long endurance days
• hiking at altitude
• exposure to heat and sun
• rough mountain terrain
This hike can become dangerous for underprepared hikers.
Every year, Mt. Baldy sees rescues due to:
• dehydration
• heat exhaustion
• altitude effects
• poor footwear
• lack of conditioning
• underestimating the mountain
Strong physical fitness, preparation, and judgment are essential.
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🎒 Required Gear:
• 3–5 liters of water
• electrolytes
• proper trail shoes or hiking boots
• sun protection
• layers/wind shell
• food/snacks
• headlamp
Strongly recommended:
• trekking poles
• GPS/offline maps
• emergency layer
• small first aid kit
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🚶 Group Style & Pace
This is an adventure-oriented mountain hike, not a race and not a casual social stroll.
We will maintain a steady and efficient pace with regroup points at major trail junctions and scenic locations.
Participants should be capable of independently completing this hike if necessary.
Positive attitude, self-sufficiency, mountain awareness, and respect for nature are highly valued.
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🌲 Ideal For Those Who Enjoy
• challenging mountain objectives
• endurance hiking
• alpine scenery
• exploration and discovery
• testing physical and mental limits
• earning exceptional experiences through effort
This hike is especially suitable for those preparing for larger mountain objectives such as San Gorgonio, Mt Whitney, or other high-endurance alpine routes.
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📍Final Notes
If you are looking for comfort and convenience, this may not be the right event.
If you are looking for a real mountain experience close to Southern California — with exposure, elevation, challenge, beauty, and unforgettable views — this route delivers all of it.
Please RSVP responsibly and come prepared.
The mountain does not care about optimism.
Preparation matters

Exact meeting location and logistics will be posted closer to event date.