Summiting Mt. Baldy in the Snow

Mt. Baldy is located in the San Bernardino County in the San Gabriel Mountains, which isn't too far of a drive from the beach towns where I live. I have wanted to summit some of the mountains that were in closer range to my home and last weekend I finally had my opportunity to hike this beast in snow.

There are a handful of hikes that get you to the top of the summit which all vary in distance. I went via Devil's Backbone Route which makes it an out and back of 14 miles with 4300 feet of elevation gain. You can opt to go down a different route, but there is not an official loop trail that will take you to the same place you started.

Tip: You can hike this mountain year round but during winter months definitely check snow levels and make sure the trails are clear and not closed due to hazards.

If you're up for it like I was, I went at the end of February. I waited two weeks after the mountain got about 20 inches of snow to let some of it melt before attempting the hike. I could have done it with snow shoes at the deeper sections, but that option didn't seem as appealing to me and would take an hour or two longer provided the trail was in good condition.

I packed light with a few snacks, plenty of water, and an extra jacket in case the wind got crazy along the Devil's Backbone when you are exposed the most throughout the hike.

Tip: Trekking poles, especially in snow, will be your best friend in navigating the trail and any wet or slippery areas that have turned to slushy mud.

The beginning of the trail itself is actually a dirt road in summer months that can be driven up, but is closed to drivers in wet or snowy seasons. A halfway marker point is when you hit the base of the ski and snow play area. There is an option to ride up on the ski lifts if you don't want to hike the first portion. You would start your trip at a different location than where I parked.

The first 3.5 miles are spent on a steady incline up the dirt road to get to the base of the ski area. From there you will turn off from this section and begin a steeper incline towards the mountain top.

The incline in the snow can be intimidating because the actual trail is covered so you are following the last tracks from previous hikers to guide you through a narrow section with a large drop off on one side. The wind comes and goes on this hike and you will find yourself taking your warm layers on and off most of the time to adjust for being being openly exposed to the elements or blocked by the mountain.

Once you hit about 4.5 miles into your hike you can see exactly where you are headed to for your end point. This could be a positive or negative, however you look at it. You will get to a point where the tallest peak is in front of you and all you do is watch it get closer until you're at the base of the last push to get to the top.

The mountain top on the right is your end point. The second half of your ascent will be pushing yourself to continue up. The entire hike is an incline and switches back and forth from being a steady up hill to an intense incline at certain sections.

Tip: Hike a steady pace so when you hit the larger inclines you can baby step your way to the top and take less breaks. Don't rush yourself. It can be slippery with all the loose rock.

Devil's Backbone is a beautiful section to hike because you get to see mountains on either side of you and get panoramic views. The views at this section are the reason why some hikers choose this route even if it is a longer way to get to the summit.

This area was my favorite and was my motivation to push myself to get to the top. The last mile to get to the mountain top is the hardest section. The loose rock incline can be slippery.

Tip: Micro spikes or crampons are helpful in the winter for a faster hike. Not necessary in some conditions. I was able to get through without having to put them on but carried them with just in case. You never know exactly what conditions you'll be walking into.

Getting over the last hump is the most exciting part. The views from the top are beautiful and on a nice day sitting down for a snack feels great after all the hard work.

This mountain trail is a great day hike, by far not the tallest or longest hike, but definitely a challenge and well worth the effort.