Advanced Mt. Baldy via Register Ridge - Microspikes required

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/3/3/4/event_218809972.jpeg

Gain: ~5,000 feet
Distance: 8+ miles
Difficulty: Strenuous

The ultimate short cut to Baldy.

Please do not sign up for this hike if you are not prepared to hike 5000 ft on a very, very steep use trail.

THERE IS SOME SNOW/ICE at the top so bring Microspikes!

This well-traveled use trail splits off near the beginning of the Ski Hut trail and runs straight up Register Ridge before intersecting with the Devil's Backbone trail just below Mt. Harwood. It's steep, but not particularly loose or dangerous, with minimal exposure (but fantastic views to both sides of the ridge). Please be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. Right now the forecast for Manker Flats is with a high around 54 degrees and the forecast for the summit is a high of around 42 degrees with a slight chance of rain and snow.

Basically: BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING!

Here is a link to the weather forecast for the trail head/parking at Manker Flats

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-117.62698&lat=34.26593#.VNp0u_J0ycw

Here is a link to the weather forecast for the summit

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.29229446164776&lon=-117.63917354492184#.VNpzaPJ0ycw

After we summit, I'm going to head down the Backbone trail to the Notch but you are free to descend via the quicker Ski Hut route if you prefer. At the Notch we'll have a rest stop/beer break before heading down the fire road but you might also decide to take the Ski Lift down. I believe the cost is $12 per person.

If anyone is interested, we'll be stopping at the Baldy Inn for an official post hike celebration.

You will need a National Forest Adventure Pass to park at Manker Flat. They can be purchased at the Baldy Visitor Center in Baldy Village (en route to Manker).

WHOM DO I SUE: This is not an official organization chartered to make certain any level of safety greater than when you venture into the Wilderness by your lonesome; if you want something like that seek out the Sierra Club with their rules, regulations and signed waivers of liability. Do not expect organizer(s) to check the qualifications of anyone you are hiking or climbing with. Any questions asked of you when you sign up is to ensure the organizer(s) safety, nothing more. If you have doubts about going on this particular meetup, you should find someone you trust, go alone or choose not to participate.